Page 135 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 12: Through the Sally Gap 133

Above left Patchwork fields in the foothills of
ª Return to Enniskerry and take the heather, dotted with pools and the Wicklow Mountains Above Johnnie Fox’s,
right-hand road uphill from the streams. It follows the Military Road, a pub with plenty of character and good food
square. Continue past Kilgarron built through the mountains to flush
Cottages and Glen View and follow out rebels after the 1798 Rebellion.
the road to Glencree. Now the road provides easy access to
the Wicklow Mountains National Park,
The Wicklow Mountains which has open access for walkers.
Wicklow Mountains National Park The landscape changes colour with
extends over 20,000 ha (50,000) acres the seasons from bright green in
of upland mountain scenery spring to purple in summer and
southwest of Enniskerry. The product russet-brown in autumn, and snow-
of the interaction of man and nature white in winter. Look out for stacks of EAT AND DRINK
through turf-cutting over thousands
of years, it is a rugged wilderness of freshly cut peat. Towards the end of
unpopulated heath and extensive the pass there is a viewpoint over the ENNISKERRY
bogland. Although no peak exceeds Wicklow Gap, another scenic route. Poppies inexpensive
915 m (3,000 ft), the mountains can ª Continue south on the R115 and turn With wholesome country cooking, this
be dangerous in bad weather, and right at Laragh onto the R755. After the friendly and cosy café is always
the roads are narrow, winding and sign for Wicklow Gap, turn left into the buzzing and is a great place to stop for
bumpy in summer, and may be breakfast, morning coffee or lunch.
impassable after snow in winter. car park at Glendalough Visitor Centre. Plenty of choice for vegetarians.
The Square; 01 282 8869; open
Below Powerscourt Waterfall cascades into the daytime only
3 Glencree River Dargle from a height of 400 ft (122 m) Emilia’s Ristorante moderate
Co Wicklow This friendly Italian restaurant has a
The Valley of Glencree is home to the sister shop below, Emilia’s Fine Food
Glencree Centre for Peace and and Wine, which is a good lunch stop.
Enniskerry; 01 276 1834; www.emilias.ie
Reconciliation, established in the 1970s
in response to the Northern Ireland AROUND ENNISKERRY
conflict, but now concerned with Johnnie Fox’s moderate–expensive
global peace-building. It is housed in From Enniskerry drive towards
an 18th-century British barracks. There Dublin through the Scalp (R117 north)
to reach Johnnie Fox’s, Ireland’s
is a Visitor Centre (open daily) and café. highest pub, with nightly music,
Further along the valley is the German crackling turf fires and excellent
Cemetery containing graves of steaks and seafood.
servicemen killed in the world wars. Glencullen; 01 295 5647; www.jfp.ie
ª Leaving Glencree visitor centre, POWERSCOURT ESTATE
turn left onto the R115 and drive south The Terrace Café moderate
through the Sally Gap. Run by Avoca (see pp136–7), typical
fare includes imaginative salads,
4 Sally Gap Mediterranean tarts and hearty
Co Wicklow casseroles (beef and Guinness a
speciality). Views over the gardens
One of the most spectacular drives in and Sugar Loaf mountain.
Wicklow, this remote mountain pass Powerscourt House; 01 204 6070;
is surrounded by blanket bog and www.avoca.ie
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

132-137_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 133 11/09/17 12:30 pm