Page 137 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 12: Through the Sally Gap 135

Round Main
Tower Gateway
Cathedral
Monastic Buildings
St Kevin’s Visitor Centre
Church St Kieran’s
Church
Lower Lake

Glenealo
M I N E R ’ S R O A D
National Park
Information
Office
Upper Lake Reefert
Church
St Kevin’s 0 metres 500
St Kevin’s Cell
Bed Poulanass
Waterfall 0 yards 500

Clonmacnoise. From here, take the The Wicklow Way
path back across the river and turn This is a self-guided walking trail EAT AND DRINK AROUND
right towards the Lower Lake. running 127 km (79 miles) from GLENDALOUGH
Walk along the Green Road, leaving Marlay Park in South Dublin to the
the Lower Lake on the right. Just village of Clonegal in County Glendalough Green Café inexpensive
Come to this café for a great selection
before the Upper Lake is the Carlow, taking in mountains, lakes, of freshly baked breads, soups and
rivers, forests and farmland on the
National Park Information Office 4. way. The entire trail takes 7–10 days hotpots, as well as artisan chocolates.
From here, follow the Poulanass and requires a good level of fitness, There are also outdoor tables for
Walk to Reefert Church 5, dating equipment and a proper map. alfresco dining.
from 1100. A little further on, up Alternatively it is possible to walk Laragh; 0404 45151
some steps, is St Kevin’s Cell 6, a short segments of the trail. For Wicklow Heather Restaurant
beehive-shaped hut where the saint more information on the trail, visit moderate
www.wicklowway.com.
is said to have lived and prayed. Little This fully licensed restaurant has a
selection of meat and seafood dishes.
is known about the saint, but legend Glendalough Road, Laragh; 0404
has it that he lived to the age of 120, 6 Avondale House and 45157; www.thewicklowheather.ie
and that a blackbird once laid an egg Forest Park
in the saint’s outstretched hands as Rathdrum, Co Wicklow Below Avondale House, birthplace of the Irish
he prayed, which he held until it The birthplace and home of Charles nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell
hatched. Further along the lake is a Stewart Parnell (1846–91), one of
small cave known as St Kevin’s Bed. It Ireland’s greatest political leaders,
is not accessible, but can be seen Avondale House (open Jun–Aug;
from Miner’s Road on the far shore. Thu–Sun & Bank Holidays) has an
From the hermit’s cell follow the important place in Irish history. Tours
Poulanass Walk to the Poulanass of its impressive interior recount the
Waterfall 7 – a steep climb through tale of Parnell’s fight for Home Rule
woodland – and views over the and the founding of the Irish
Upper Lake. Descend from the Parliamentary Party. The house, built
waterfall to the information office in 1179 by Samuel Hayes, is set in an
and return to the car park along the extensive forest park (open daily year-
far side of the Lower Lake. round) along the west bank of the
ª From the car park bear right onto Avonmore River with marked trails,
the R756, passing through Laragh. Turn picnic spots and children’s play areas.
right onto the R755 to Rathdrum and When the house is open, there is also
then right onto the R752 for Avoca. After a café and shop.
1.5 km (1 mile) take left and next left ª Leaving Avondale, return to the
at the sign for Avondale House. Park R752 towards Avoca, stopping at
in the car park. the Meeting of the Waters.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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