Mount Wicklow National Park
This is one of the first possible stops on the way out of Dublin, the first typically Irish natural area, Mount Wicklow. Approximately 1 hour's drive from Dublin, the scenery changes completely, and we find ourselves in a small area of hills, over several dozen km, almost wild! (although there are still a few traces of civilisation! 😂)
It's also here, in this national park, that you start to get a feel for what driving in Ireland is going to be like! Left-hand drive, of course, but above all roads that are more or less narrow in places, that twist and turn all the time (sometimes going up and down), so that you end up drunk after a few hours! But it's all worth it when you stop to admire and appreciate the splendour... a lake tucked away in a valley... colourful valleys as far as the eye can see...
This massif in the Wicklow Mountains has no high peaks, making it an ideal place for both amateur and experienced walkers and hikers. A host of signposted footpaths will be presented to you in all directions, allowing you to enjoy the different panoramas of this region. For experienced walkers, the tour can last several days, (and travel up to 130km) and discover less touristy places, such as valleys, streams, lakes (Glendalough, Liffey...), ruined castles and monasteries.
Once we'd had our fill (of walking and taking photos, of course!!!) we set off for the west of Ireland, destination Knocklong, 30km south of Limerick, to take possession of our home, a typical old house, nicely renovated. My wife and I had chosen this particular spot to be within reasonable driving distance. the Killarney, Dingle and Connemara peninsulas. In other words, the most beautiful regions in terms of landscapes and rocky coastlines that I wanted to photograph in greater depth on this second trip!
Wicklow Hills, Ireland
Wicklow lake, Ireland
Settling in Knocklong :
After a good night's sleep, it's time to get settled in and prepare for the next departure! The Ring of Kerry is scheduled for tomorrow! It's a picturesque route, one of the most beautiful in Ireland, which I highly recommend you discover! This route circles the peninsula of County Kerry, covering around 180km of winding roads! It's best to be well rested before setting off! I'd advise you to do the ring in a clockwise direction! Starting and finishing in Killarney.
If you're interested in history, you can start with a visit to Muckross Manor, which is on your right just outside Killarney.
Preparing for Killarney National Park
If you're more into nature, waterfalls and forests, 10 minutes further on your left you can take a short walk (allow around 1 hour if you take your time) to see a waterfall in the forest! A stone staircase will take you up the hill and allow you to enjoy the lake below. Having said that, depending on the season, visibility is more or less good because of the vegetation. In this case, if you drive a little further, a car park on the right is easily accessible to go down to the edge of the main lake and you'll be right behind Muckross Manor.
It's a moment to relax before tackling the rally that's about to begin! For this new 'nature' area Killarney National Park See you in the next and 3rd article on Ireland second trip and visit the Ireland gallery.
see you soon
David
