Page 109 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 9: Carlow’s Hidden Treasures 107

Above left Lush watermeadows and woods
4 Clonegal valleys and sea. Watch out for cloud. along the banks of the River Derry Above
Co Carlow ª From Nine Stones retrace the route Bicentennial memorial to those who died in
Clonegal, a pretty and particularly and drive back across the cattle grid the 1798 Rebellion in Bunclody
well-preserved village, marks the end to the junction with the main road.
of the Wicklow Way, a mountainous Turn left and follow the road as it
127-km (79-mile) trail that starts in descends. On the descent, take a right
Dublin. The surrounding countryside turn at the T-junction and continue on EAT AND DRINK
of wooded hills is very beautiful, and to Myshall.
the banks of the River Derry here are TULLOW
popular for fishing. The 17th-century 6 Myshall Rathwood moderate
Jacobean Huntington Castle (open Co Carlow The café-restaurant in this award-
May–Sep: daily) that adjoins the village This little village is noted for the winning garden centre is a good
place to take a break, and the food is
can be visited, and is said to be beautiful Adelaide Memorial wholesome and fresh. Pleasant
haunted. Within the grounds are a Church built in 1912 by John outside sitting area.
prehistoric megalith, an ancient yew Duguid of Dover, around the graves Rath, Tullow; 059 915 6285; closes
walk and a temple to Isis. of his wife and daughter. It is 5pm; www.rathwood.com
ª Go back across the River Derry to designed as a miniature of Salisbury CLONEGAL
Watch House and take the road right Cathedral and, among the exquisite Sha-Roe Bistro expensive
along the river through fine wooded features of the interior, the design This small restaurant in a fine 18th-
country; on reaching the R746, turn of the floor was taken from century house in an unspoilt village
right for Bunclody. St Mark’s in Venice. provides exceptional food and
ª Take R724 heading northeast and comfort. Imaginative cooking features
Bunclody take first road left, after 2 km (1 mile). Wexford lamb, local aged beef, fish
and cheeses. Booking recommended.
Co Wexford After crossing the N80 Altamont Main Street; 053 937 5636;
Bunclody, site of a bloody battle in the Garden is on the right. www.sha-roe.ie; closed Mon–Wed
1798 Rebellion, is a small and charming
town situated where the River Slaney
meets the River Clody at the foot of the
Blackstairs Mountains. A narrow canal
from the Clody flows down the middle
of its main street. The town is the best
base for climbing 795-m (2,610-ft)
Mount Leinster. To reach Mount
Leinster, leave Bunclody heading uphill
and turn left opposite the Wexford
Farmers’ Co-op. After 10 km (6 miles),
near Corrabut Gap, turn left for Nine
Stones. The road crosses a cattle grid
and there is fine scenery on both sides.
Park at the Nine Stones megalithic
alignment for the walk to the top. It’s a
steep climb, but the surfaced road
goes all the way, with spectacular
views of the surrounding mountains, Above Icons in niches on the pebble-dashed exterior of the Adelaide Memorial Church, Myshall
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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