Page 138 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

136 BACK ROADS IRELAND

7 Vale of Avoca left), founded in 1608. Trout fishing is
Avoca, Co Wicklow popular in the River Aughrim.
The Meeting of the Waters is a ª After Woodenbridge, take the
tranquil spot where the Avonmore R747 towards Arklow. Entering
(“large river” in Irish) and Avonbeg Arklow, take first exit at roundabout
(“small river”) merge to form the River and follow signs towards N11/Dublin.
Avoca. The poem “The Meeting of Leave the N11 at Jack White’s Cross
The Waters” by Thomas Moore Roads, turning right for Brittas Bay.
(1779–1852) commemorates “that
vale in whose bosom the bright 8 Brittas Bay
waters meet”. The Avoca eventually Co Wicklow
flows into the Irish Sea at Arklow. Running for 5 km (3 miles) and
Continue on the R752 to Avoca and backed by rolling sand dunes, Brittas
the Vale of Avoca. Bay is a stunning beach with Blue
Nestling in the wooded Vale of Flag status, ideal for swimming. In
Avoca, an area that once had gold, summer, it is busy with day-trippers
Above Pretty garden at Hunter’s Hotel, a copper, lead and zinc mines – dating and second-home-owners from
former coaching inn, Rathnew back to 1720 – is the village of Avoca. Dublin, but there is enough space to
The last mine closed in the early absorb the crowds. Lifeguards are on
1980s, but Avoca Handweavers has duty from mid-June through August.
the oldest working woollen mill in Out of season it is ideal for bracing
WHERE TO STAY Ireland, established in 1723, and is still walks along the sand, which provide
thriving, with stylish a chance to spot
VALE OF AVOCA modern designs to some of the rare
Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge buy (see right). To wildlife in the dunes
moderate see the weaving backed by extensive
Established in 1608 as a coaching inn,
this is Ireland’s oldest hotel and a process, drive marsh and fen. Wild
charming and intimate place to stay. through the village, asparagus, sea rocket
Arklow; 0402 35146; pass the church and and sea parsley grow
www.woodenbridgehotel.com go down the hill; it is among the marram
on the left-hand side. grass, where dune
WICKLOW HEAD
Wicklow Head Lighthouse expensive From Avoca, continue rabbits may be seen.
This restored lighthouse, originally south along the Many options in the At different times of year it
built in 1781, is now run by The Irish R752, bearing right onto Wicklow Mountains is possible to spot little tern
Landmark Trust and can be hired on a the R747 for Aughrim. and ringed plover, sedge
self-catering basis. It has six octagonal At the meeting point of the Avoca warbler and reed bunting, dunlin
rooms and stunning views of the and Aughrim rivers, Woodenbridge and sanderling.
Irish Sea. A special place to stay.
Dunbur Head; 01 670 4733; is the scenic setting for the ª Drive north along Brittas Bay,
www.irishlandmark.com Woodenbridge Golf Course (0402 following the R750, which runs
35202; www.woodenbridge.ie), parallel to the beach, passing bathing
AROUND WICKLOW TOWN
and Ireland’s oldest hotel, the beaches at Jack’s Hole and Silver
Ballyknocken House moderate Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge (see Strand, to Wicklow Head.
This 19th-century country house is
a guesthouse, farm, cookery school
and restaurant (for residents only), Below Glorious expanse of Brittas Bay, fringed by dunes that are a haven for wildlife
overseen by chef Catherine Fulvio and
her Italian husband. It is 1.5 km (1 mile)
from Glenealy on the road to Ashford.
Glenealy, Ashford; 0404 44627;
www.ballyknocken.com
Hunter’s Hotel moderate
A romantic 18th-century coaching inn
(on R761 to Newcastle) combining old-
style elegance with modern comforts.
Run by the same family since 1820.
Newrath Bridge, Rathnew; 0404 40106;
www.hunters.ie
Tinakilly Country House moderate
An old-fashioned country house set in
elegant gardens. Some period rooms
with four-poster beds and sea views.
Main Street, Rathnew; 0404 69274;
www.tinakilly.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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