hidden wicklow gems

John Mason

i was posting in another today and talking about all the wonderful things to do in wicklow and it got me thinking about hidden gems i am missing. so thought this would be a good idea for thread especially as there are lot of non-natives around

one of my favourite places at the moment is victoria's way in roundwood

http://www.victoriasway.eu/

i am planning on taking the OH to the german graveyard in Glencree next weekend - havent been there since was a kid

http://www.glencree.ie/site/history.htm

Killruddery house and gardens

http://www.killruddery.com/index.htm

so come people let me know your hidden gems

Judgement Day

The Filter Beds at the Vartry reservoir were always a favourite place of mine growing up. Sunday lunch at the Glenview Hotel or Roundwood Inn inevitably led to an expedition up the Great Sugar Loaf or a more gentle amble about the Filter Beds. I wonder is it still possible to walk about there? The army were based there for a while in the 1970s as a security precaution - they still should be but that's for a different thread.

Judgement Day

And, of course, Bray Head is another gem that many never bother to explore and that's a pity as the views from the Cross are well worth the effort. I haven't been up since 1988 but I'm sure the views are still as good. The most direct approach is to walk southwards along the promenade and follow the well beaten trail towards the Cross but there's a little bit of rough terrain to be tackled on this route just before the top. If you fancy a less challenging and, arguably, more pleasant walk the Cross may be reached via the woods on the R767 (the Bray/Greystones road) just before the Vevay Road meets the Southern Cross Road. Not as complicated as it sounds. However, I suspect from reports that the woods and Bray Head are not the innocent surroundings that I played in as a child as you're best not to undertake the expedition on your own.

Judgement Day

A couple of others spring to mind such as:

http://www.mountushergardens.ie

http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens/
The view from the garden front of the house would be worth a fortune if you could bottle it! This poor pic does not come anyway near to capturing the splendour of man made and natural beauty of the view.



Also Powerscourt Waterfall but don't bother unless it has been raining for a week or two beforehand otherwise the volume of water can be disappointing.

Russborough House http://www.russborough.ie near Blessington is another 'big' house well worth viewing - home to the Beit Art Collection which was always a firm favourite with "The General".



Sorry for hijacking the thread.

John Mason

LOL, dont say sorry hijacking that is what the thread is about.

i have never been to Russborough, have added that to my list.

in additional to brayhead, the cliff walk from bray to greystones is beautiful. the ocean road in australia, has nothing on it

http://www.visitwicklow.ie/attractions/bray-greystones-cliff-walk.htm

and poulaphuca - i remember going there as a child and you go in to the building that are buried under ground and you got in a lift like going into coal mines - hmm, i wonder can you still do that ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poulaphouca_Reservoir

John Mason

http://www.visitwicklow.ie/attractions/festina_lente_gardens.htm

i just found this place while looking for some thing else:eek:

this is 2 mins from grans house and i have never heard of it :eek:

this is going on the list

Judgement Day

Never heard of that one before either!

A thing which I take for granted is the rail journey between Bray and Arklow which passes through some of the most unspoilt and scenic parts of County Wicklow. I travelled this route in both directions yesterday and apart from the scenery - the trains runs through the Vale of Avoca to Rathdrum, along the edge of the beach from Wicklow to Greystones and finally along the cliffs of Bray Head - the sheer amount of wild birds to been seen is amazing. Yesterday, I passed the protected Little Tern colonies at Kilcoole, a raptor of some type was hunting over the grassy area between beach and railway; Little Egrets were much in evidence in the marsh and then on passing along the cliffs at Bray Head we were so close to breeding seabirds it was unreal. These colonies have mushroomed since I lived in Bray and yesterday I noted Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fukmars, Black Guillemots, Shags, Cormorants and numerous different gulls nesting just yards from the track.

Judgement Day

Still in the Bray/Enniskerry area and a place many people may not have any occasion to pass through is The Scalp. A fascinating stretch of road which links Enniskerry to Dublin via Kilternan passes through an area of boulder scree left behind by a glacial lake during the last Ice Age. Giant granite boulders are scattered high up on either side of the narrow defile through which the R117 road passes seemingly defying gravity and threatening to crash down on unsuspecting motorists. Best views may be had from the top deck of the 44 bus.


This interesting blog describes how to reach the heights above the Scalp and as the author says - not for the fainthearted!

http://fatstevewalks.wordpress.com/2007/08/01/scary-scalp-walk/

Another interesting link about The Scalp and climbing routes here: http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/The_Scalp

Judgement Day

Quiet unspoilt beaches are increasingly hard to find in County Wicklow but two that stick in my mind are the north end of Brittas Bay by Potter's River (accessed somewhere near McDaniel's Pub), and Silver Strand (accessed through Wolohan's Caravan & Camping Park) http://www.silverstrand.ie/

Back in the 1960s the school I attended used to have an annual picnic at Silver Strand and my memory is of small coves and caves, quite unlike any other Irish beach I've been to since.

Judgement Day

Two more of Wicklow's hidden gems.



The spectacular Luggala Estate viewed from the R759 Sally Gap/Roundwood road is a fairytale location belonging to the Guinness family. The whole estate can be rented but with even the lowliest cottage starting at €500 per week you get the picture..:D http://www.luggala.net/index.htm

Glenmacnass Waterfall on the nearby Sally Gap/Laragh (R115) road is also worth going to view but be careful as a number of people have been killed and injured here over the years. The waterfall can seem deceptively safe to get close and personal with. Viewing the You Tube video below may give you a hint of the possible dangers involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coH4-5s6ZCU

loobylou

Heres a well kept secret
http://www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmhome.htm

Judgement Day

loobylou wrote: »

Heres a well kept secret
http://www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmhome.htm

Sure is. I've never been to the arboretum but I have visited the house on several occasions including on a moonlit night many years ago - very spooky!

Judgement Day

Hunter's has been a Wicklow institution for decades. Hidden away on the (R761) coast road from Greystones to Rathnew, it used to be a bastion of gentility where people brought their maiden aunts for buttered scons and afternoon tea. Judging by the website it has changed with the times but appears to have retained its olde worlde charm. A visit is in order to refresh my memory.



http://www.hunters.ie/

Judgement Day

This familiar landmark is now looked after by the Irish Landmark Trust and has been restored as an upmarket holiday rental property. A peaceful place but at a high price and a weeks' rental will cost in excess of €1k.

A little info from their site here: http://www.irishlandmark.com/

Two lighthouses were built on Wicklow Head in September 1781. One, the Irish Landmark Trust lighthouse, is on Long Hill, and is known as the upper or rear light; the other was on the saddle of the headland and was known as the tower or front light.
Nothing now remains of the front tower, but the rear tower still stands on Long Hill. It is approximately 95 feet high, and still functions as a long established landmark for sailors.

In a storm, on the night of 19th October 1836, it was struck by lightning. In the fire that followed the interior was gutted on all floors, and the lantern destroyed. It was, however, decided that the cut stone shell of the tower should be preserved, and it was recommended that a new roof be added. The present protective brick dome was added in 1866.

The Irish Landmark Trust acquired the lighthouse in 1996, and set about conserving the tower. This involved replastering the internal and external walls, making and fitting 27 windows, wiring, plumbing, flooring and installing a water pumping system. When the stairs and timber floors were in place, 6 octagonal rooms were arranged vertically. Although the rooms are small, they have high arched windows set into walls which are almost a metre thick. The lighthouse is a truly inspiring place to stay.

Wicklow Head Lighthouse has safeguarded the scenic Wicklow coastline since 1781. It is a peace seeker’s haven with inspiring and refreshing views of the Irish Sea. The landscape and scenery surrounding the lighthouse provide a perfect backdrop for a unique and memorable break.

The Lighthouse has 6 octagonal rooms carefully constructed in the void that existed within the tower when it was first taken on by Irish Landmark. The arched windows set into walls which are a metre or more thick offer stunning views out to the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside: all making this property a most unique place to stay. (Sleeps 4)

Nearby: Wicklow Town (5 kms) Shop (5 kms) Restaurant (5 kms) Beach (5 kms) Please Note: This property is surrounded by sea on three sides. Also, the kitchen is at the top of the property, and there is 109 steps to it.

convert

Was at Hunter's Hotel for lunch a few years ago. The surroundings are lovely, though I didn't think the food was all that. Simple country style food, but nothing special.

Russborough is a lovely place to go for a day out. You can get a tour of the house (though not sure how much it has been restricted due to the recent fire), go for a walk around the grounds or in the maize. There's a cafe in the grounds, too.

I still love going for a walk in Glendalough, though if I'm going at the weekend I make sure I'm there early so I'm gone by late morning when the masses start to arrive. It's so peaceful and relaxing when it's quiet.

Glenmalure is a lovely place to visit, too. Haven't been there in years. Must go back again soon.

Judgement Day

convert - Not surprised to hear about Hunter's, it always was a place for simple Protestant fare.
I love Glendalough too and as you say unbeatable when you have the place to yourself. As for Glenmalure - a real gem! When I was at school I used to run a Natural History Society outing there a couple of times a year to climb Lugnaquilla but on the last occasion I personally didn't get any further than Baravore Ford where I found somewhere to cool the beer!

sexdwarf

Sculpture in Woodland at Devil's Glen Wood is great, fab walks, loadsa squirrels! http://www.visitwicklow.ie/attractions/sculpture_in_woodland.htm

sionnaic

Judgement Day wrote: »

it always was a place for simple Protestant fare

er...what??! what the hell is "protestant" fare?? that's a mildly offensive statement there Judgement

dogmatix

Judgement Day wrote: »

Quiet unspoilt beaches are increasingly hard to find in County Wicklow but two that stick in my mind are the north end of Brittas Bay by Potter's River (accessed somewhere near McDaniel's Pub), and Silver Strand (accessed through Wolohan's Caravan & Camping Park) http://www.silverstrand.ie/

Back in the 1960s the school I attended used to have an annual picnic at Silver Strand and my memory is of small coves and caves, quite unlike any other Irish beach I've been to since.

Clogga strand, to the south of Arklow is another quiet but attractive beach.
As for wicklow gems -
1. Art's lough: difficult to find, difficult to get to which means a lot of them time you might have it all to yourself. And it's a beautiful spot.
2. Vale of Clara woods in the late autumn, on a sunny evening. Magic.
3. Devil's glen.

Cookie_Monster

Top of Lugnaquilla in glorious summer sun can't be beaten

Judgement Day

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Top of Lugnaquilla in glorious summer sun can't be beaten

Ah yes, but like I said stopping at the car park putting the beer in the river at Baravore Ford beats the socks off the clamber to the summit.

Cookie_Monster

Judgement Day wrote: »

Ah yes, but like I said stopping at the car park putting the beer in the river at Baravore Ford beats the socks off the clamber to the summit.

lazy fecker. :P

looksee

sionnaic wrote: »

er...what??! what the hell is "protestant" fare?? that's a mildly offensive statement there Judgement

Well as a nominal Protestant I kind of know what he means. Its a bit subtle!

looksee

Does anyone know what the story is here? It looks as though people have been practising stone building. Its near the Wicklow Gap.

Riamfada

looksee wrote: »

Does anyone know what the story is here? It looks as though people have been practising stone building. Its near the Wicklow Gap.

Thats the bridge to the Glendesan miners village?

Possum66

looksee wrote: »

Does anyone know what the story is here? It looks as though people have been practising stone building. Its near the Wicklow Gap.

Years ago they used the area to film a movie (Reign of Fire) Maybe this is a remains of the set...?

looksee

There is an area of stone beyone the bridge, with some remnants of buildings, but somehow it doesn't look like a settlement, more like people have been practising stonework.

Just checked and http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/Mining.html
suggests that the village is not just there, and would be bigger.

The Reign of Fire suggestion could be closer shot 35 http://www.imdb.com/media/rm512989440/tt0253556
shows what could be the bridge I think.

Interesting, thanks for your help.

Riamfada

Im pretty sure thats the Glendesan miners village.

looksee

Here's another shot of the area, its difficult to see what's there though.

Lurching

Ive lived most of my life in Wicklow, and have only seen a handful of these places. Im some lazy boy!

pirelli

Lurching wrote: »

Ive lived most of my life in Wicklow, and have only seen a handful of these places. Im some lazy boy!

But being in Sydney kind of belays that.

I have only been to handful of these places myself and live in wicklow. Rossbourough house looks great. I might have been there as a child...cannot recall.

I will be visiting there sometime.

Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanouge on the N11 has a interesting Garden an lovely cafe on a veranda overlooking the gardens.

&

Avoca's cafe in the Mount Usher Gardens in of the N11 Ashford. Mount Usher gardens are rated as one of the 3 best garden in the Uk and ireland.













Powerscourt waterfall A short 5 min drive or a pleasant 45 min walk from Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanouge on the N11

Cookie_Monster

pirelli wrote: »

Powerscourt waterfall[/U][/B] A short 5 min drive or a pleasant 45 min walk from Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanouge on the N11

you have to pay to get in here though, FYI

pirelli

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

you have to pay to get in here though, FYI

It's hidden Gems not Gems bargin deals. Just to be difficult you can walk around it for free. That photo was likely taken from Deuce Wood which is very nearby and FREE.

nomdeboardie

pirelli wrote: »

It's hidden Gems not Gems bargin deals. Just to be difficult you can walk around it for free. That photo was likely taken from Deuce Wood which is very nearby and FREE.

Actually, there is no apparent restriction on passing between Djouce Woods and the waterfall valley (at least when I was down there a few months ago)

Cookie_Monster

pirelli wrote: »

It's hidden Gems not Gems bargin deals. Just to be difficult you can walk around it for free. That photo was likely taken from Deuce Wood which is very nearby and FREE.

true, scouts also get in for free :P
and or course from Crone Woods you can come across the top of it and gives you a better view

Cookie_Monster

there used to be a great restaurant here, accessable from the N11. I think it is gone now though, something to do with bad access road from the N11 or something

Annasopra

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

there used to be a great restaurant here, accessable from the N11. I think it is gone now though, something to do with bad access road from the N11 or something

Marc Michel?

loyatemu

visited Greenan Farm & Maze yesterday - great outing on a beautiful sunny day

there's a hedge maze, which the kids loved; an open farm & museum; and a nature walk through woods and marshland, all in a beautiful location. Also you can bring a picnic and there's a decent (and reasonably priced) coffee shop.

Was also at Silver Strand beach a couple weeks back (referenced earlier in this thread) - you have to pay to park & access it (€8, though you have to pay to park at Brittas also afaik) - its only a small beach but very sheltered due to the surrounding cliffs. Again the kids loved it, but they also love going to Greystones beach, for all its faults.

Cookie_Monster

Johnnymcg wrote: »

Marc Michel?

No idea was only there once, my mother was there a few times, she told me they had to close. It was an organic restaurant

Annasopra

Just found this excellent blog

http://wicklowdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

DRDJM

We love Powerscourt waterfall but it is so expensive if you take a car - I had to pay €22 last time. I asked the guy at the gate if they couldn't have a €10 per car tariff as we'd come more often and he said 'some of those eastern europeans can get up to 10 people in their cars!' racist and horrible! the waterfall and playground are fab but their cafe seriously needs a makeover.

We also love Mount Usher, Kilruddery House (spectacular especially the fairy tale picnic in the summer - the kids love it), Kilquade gardens are nice too.

Glenroe is a good day out for the kids but again quite expensive if you have more than one little one or want to bring the family.

Possum66

We love Powerscourt waterfall but it is so expensive if you take a car - I had to pay €22 last time. I asked the guy at the gate if they couldn't have a €10 per car tariff as we'd come more often and he said 'some of those eastern europeans can get up to 10 people in their cars!' racist and horrible! the waterfall and playground are fab but their cafe seriously needs a makeover.

Nice remark... it is an expensive place, full stop. But it is fabulous, my guests are always amazed by the waterfall. And I never squeeze more than 4 into my car, haha.

recedite

There is a nice walk along the Dargle River near Enniskerry; a loop of a few Km, maybe 40 mins or so. Its a an old path cut out along a gorge especially for some visiting British royalty to view in the 19th Century. Not for small kids because of the cliffs. Parking is awkward, try to fit in along the road somewhere near the entrance. Follow red arrows on the incline at the NE end to avoid straying onto private property.
Access from a metal gate here;
www.loc8.ie/NL0-69-W13

bdo

Marc Michel's farm shop (where that restaurant used be) is very much worth visiting, if you are into organic food grown here in Bray (Kilpeddar really).

Merrilady

Does anyone know if we could bring our doggie down to Mount usher ( complete with lead and doggie poo poo bag )

Judgement Day

Merrilady wrote: »

Does anyone know if we could bring our doggie down to Mount usher ( complete with lead and doggie poo poo bag )

Phone number and much more besides here: http://www.mountushergardens.ie/

shed12

Hunter's Hotel is a fantastic place. Not a modern hotel by any means but has that old world charm that we love. Would recommend it highly.

connel42

http://www.poulaphuca.com/
This is a great site steeped in history.

M O N T O

Hey guys,

I'm 19 and have lived in Wicklow Town for most of my life.
I've found quite a lot of beautiful spots in and around the town, nice secluded places that you could sit down and relax for hours.

I was just wondering if anyone could share their places that they might have stumbled upon? I know of all the usual places like Glendalough but I was looking more for places that aren't really known by tourists and more by locals.


thanks!

Judgement Day

M O N T O wrote: »

Hey guys,

I'm 19 and have lived in Wicklow Town for most of my life.
I've found quite a lot of beautiful spots in and around the town, nice secluded places that you could sit down and relax for hours.

I was just wondering if anyone could share their places that they might have stumbled upon? I know of all the usual places like Glendalough but I was looking more for places that aren't really known by tourists and more by locals.


thanks!

An earlier thread here may be useful: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=66845801

LEIN

Threads merged.