Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
you'll probably want to linger overnight at one of the many fine
country inns.
One accessible, charming gateway to County Wicklow is the
small harbor town of
Greystones
, which you may not want to
tell your friends back home about for fear of spoiling the secret. It
is hands-down one of the most unspoiled and attractive harbor
towns on Ireland's east coast. It has no special attractions except
itself, and that's enough.
In general, though, Wicklow's most stunning scenery and most
interesting towns and attractions are inland, between Enniskerry
and Glendalough. A raised granite ridge runs through the county,
containing two of the highest mountain passes in the country—the
Sally Gap
and the
Wicklow Gap.
The best way to see the
Wicklow
Mountains
is on foot, following the
Wicklow Way
past mountain
tarns and secluded glens. In this region, don't miss the picturesque
villages of
Roundwood, Laragh,
and
Aughrim.
In the southernmost corner of Wicklow, the mountains become
hills and share with the villages they shelter an unassuming beauty,
a sleepy tranquillity that can be a welcome respite from the bustle of
Wicklow's main tourist attractions. Near
Shillelagh
village are
lovely forests and the curious edifice of
Huntington Castle.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Irish Rail
(
&
01/836-6222;
www.irishrail.ie)
provides daily train service between Dublin and Bray and Wicklow.
Bus Eireann
(
&
01/836-6111
) operates daily express bus serv-
ice to Arklow, Bray, and Wicklow towns. Both Bus Eireann and
Gray Line Tours
(
&
01/605-7705
) offer seasonal sightseeing tours
to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Powerscourt Gardens.
But the best way to see Wicklow is by car, so that you can stop
where you like and let serendipity guide your way. Take the N11
south from Dublin City and follow turnoff signs for major attrac-
tions. Or, you can try out the “Route Planning” facility offered by
Ireland's
AA Roadwatch
(
www.aaroadwatch.ie
). Simply plug in
your starting point and destination, with as many places in between
that you'd like to visit. It lets you avoid the rush or save money with
nifty options like “avoid motorways” and “avoid toll roads.”
VISITOR INFORMATION
The
Wicklow Tourist Office,
Fitzwilliam Square, Wicklow Town, County Wicklow (
&
0404/
69117;
www.wicklow.ie), is open Monday through Friday year-
round, Saturday during peak season.
