Beautiful West Wicklow
Stone Circles and walks near by
Enigmatic, mystical and at the same time magical are these stone legacies that can be found in many places in Ireland. There are various theories about the purpose for which the stones were once erected. Presumably they were used for ritual ceremonies, burials or astronomical observations. A distinction is made between single stones (menhirs) and stone settings such as stone circles or stones standing in a continuous row, so-called Stone Rows.
All Irish stone circles have identical features. They always consist of an odd number of free-standing stones. The largest stones of the circle form the entrance to the interior. The lowest stone was placed opposite them. In most cases, the entrance stones and the stone opposite them stand in a line oriented to the sun, the moon or certain stars. Stone circles were probably erected for the performance of rituals and ceremonies.
A 5 min drive Stone Circle with easy access. The site is located out in a field next to a farm and is in a rather good condition. Roughly twenty stones can be found at the site with giant quartz stones used as a form of entrance by the ancient builders. Some stones have fallen over, but many also still remain standing.
Castleruddery Stone Circle
A 5 min drive Stone Circle with easy access. The site is located out in a field next to a farm and is in a rather good condition. Roughly twenty stones can be found at the site with giant quartz stones used as a form of entrance by the ancient builders. Some stones have fallen over, but many also still remain standing.
Another Stone Circle very close to our place, just 11 mins drive. The stones are on a hilltop to the right about 150 metres from the road.
The Piper Stones (also known as Athgreany stone circle) is off the N81 and consists of fourteen stones, three of the original seventeen are missing. This a true circle with a diameter of 23 metres. When you first enter the field from the roadway there are a number of stones in the field on your left hand side. It is believed that there may have been another circle in this area, some of the stones are placed a megalithic yard apart. Athgreany - Achadh Greine - translates as 'Field of the Sun'. Legend says a group of merrymakers were dancing to the pipers tune on the sabbath when God turned them to stone, the outlier being the piper. An old thorn tree also grows on the circumference. These are usually associated with the fairy folk in Ireland. I have always thoroughly enjoyed visiting this site, it exudes a wonderful atmosphere.
Athgreany Stone Circle
Another Stone Circle very close to our place, just 11 mins drive. The stones are on a hilltop to the right about 150 metres from the road.
The Piper Stones (also known as Athgreany stone circle) is off the N81 and consists of fourteen stones, three of the original seventeen are missing. This a true circle with a diameter of 23 metres. When you first enter the field from the roadway there are a number of stones in the field on your left hand side. It is believed that there may have been another circle in this area, some of the stones are placed a megalithic yard apart. Athgreany - Achadh Greine - translates as 'Field of the Sun'. Legend says a group of merrymakers were dancing to the pipers tune on the sabbath when God turned them to stone, the outlier being the piper. An old thorn tree also grows on the circumference. These are usually associated with the fairy folk in Ireland. I have always thoroughly enjoyed visiting this site, it exudes a wonderful atmosphere.
About 17 mins drive from our place, another name for this embanked circle is the Druidical Circle.
Of the original 18 stones 12 still remain upright, sadly one of these is broken. The circle is about 14 metres in diameter and a has possible winter solstice sunset. The circle stands in the shadow of Keadeen mountain with its odd markings, traditionally believed to be the figures of Fionn MacCumaill and his wife who would prepare meals on the griddle stones.
Directions: From Baltinglass drive east on the R747 for 3k turn left. Then 600 metres at the T-Junction turn right. After 120 metres turn left. Then 2.6K take a left. After 1.5 k park the left. Walk up the track on the left. After about 350 metres you should see the stones protruding above the bracken about 50 metres to your right.
Boleycarrigeen Stone Circle
About 17 mins drive from our place, another name for this embanked circle is the Druidical Circle.
Of the original 18 stones 12 still remain upright, sadly one of these is broken. The circle is about 14 metres in diameter and a has possible winter solstice sunset. The circle stands in the shadow of Keadeen mountain with its odd markings, traditionally believed to be the figures of Fionn MacCumaill and his wife who would prepare meals on the griddle stones.
Directions: From Baltinglass drive east on the R747 for 3k turn left. Then 600 metres at the T-Junction turn right. After 120 metres turn left. Then 2.6K take a left. After 1.5 k park the left. Walk up the track on the left. After about 350 metres you should see the stones protruding above the bracken about 50 metres to your right.
23 mins drive from our place, Brusselstown Ringfort is a pretty easy climb up.
The views from the hill are truely amazing and this site would have been brilliant for defence. The central rock outcrop that sticks up in the centre of the hillfort is quite interesting. The boleycarrigeen stone circle is intervisable with the site.
According to the Arch Inventory of Wicklow this is meant to be the biggest hillfort complex in Europe if you include Spinans Hill as part of it.
Excavation done on the site, has dated it to the late Iron Age & it is believed to have been for defensive purposes. The interior rises towards high points marked by limestone outcrops. Several hut sites have been identified within
Brusselstown Ring.
The Keadeen Mountain looms large and broodingly on the northern horizon of the ring.
Brusselstown Ringfort
23 mins drive from our place, Brusselstown Ringfort is a pretty easy climb up.
The views from the hill are truely amazing and this site would have been brilliant for defence. The central rock outcrop that sticks up in the centre of the hillfort is quite interesting. The boleycarrigeen stone circle is intervisable with the site.
According to the Arch Inventory of Wicklow this is meant to be the biggest hillfort complex in Europe if you include Spinans Hill as part of it.
Excavation done on the site, has dated it to the late Iron Age & it is believed to have been for defensive purposes. The interior rises towards high points marked by limestone outcrops. Several hut sites have been identified within
Brusselstown Ring.
The Keadeen Mountain looms large and broodingly on the northern horizon of the ring.
6 mins drive from our place, the Baltinglass forest is an easy walking trail in the middle of the woods. You might spot a growing collection of fairy doors that have sprung up over the summer, or perhaps a squirrel (could be red or grey, because both breeds live there) darting up one of the many beeches, oaks or spruces.
In another part of the woods ‒ that nearest to the road ‒ is what looks like an old tree lined with porcelain cups. It’s actually a communications tower for the railway line that used to run through the town.
The Lord's Wood Carpark
6 mins drive from our place, the Baltinglass forest is an easy walking trail in the middle of the woods. You might spot a growing collection of fairy doors that have sprung up over the summer, or perhaps a squirrel (could be red or grey, because both breeds live there) darting up one of the many beeches, oaks or spruces.
In another part of the woods ‒ that nearest to the road ‒ is what looks like an old tree lined with porcelain cups. It’s actually a communications tower for the railway line that used to run through the town.
Food scene
10 mins drive, great hidden gem in the countryside!
Lovely staff, amazing food, incredible with the most delicious cakes! Also, Amazing pizzas to take away in the evenings (mostly Fridays and Saturdays - need to double check on their website the seasonal dates).
People travel long distances to have a bite to eat in this place.
5 min walk to a lovely playground (if you are travelling with children) where I would often bring my own children.
Grangecon Kitchen
Main Street10 mins drive, great hidden gem in the countryside!
Lovely staff, amazing food, incredible with the most delicious cakes! Also, Amazing pizzas to take away in the evenings (mostly Fridays and Saturdays - need to double check on their website the seasonal dates).
People travel long distances to have a bite to eat in this place.
5 min walk to a lovely playground (if you are travelling with children) where I would often bring my own children.
This is an oasis in a little town for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians or if you're just looking for an ingredient for cooking. All welcome!
Amazing selection of vegan food. Healthy, nourishing food that's really tasty. Also has a shop to pick up some healthy ingredients for your own cooking
Best ice cream!!!
An Lár
Beech HillThis is an oasis in a little town for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians or if you're just looking for an ingredient for cooking. All welcome!
Amazing selection of vegan food. Healthy, nourishing food that's really tasty. Also has a shop to pick up some healthy ingredients for your own cooking
Best ice cream!!!
Only 7 mins drive from our place. It has a great selection of food served till 11pm. It is also a pub with good atmosphere and very attentive staff. The fare is also very reasonably priced
Germaines
Main StreetOnly 7 mins drive from our place. It has a great selection of food served till 11pm. It is also a pub with good atmosphere and very attentive staff. The fare is also very reasonably priced
Another nice place for brunch, only 7 mins drive from our place. It is a beautiful little place. Decor welcoming, warm and trendy. Food is beautiful, staff member is very friendly and welcoming too
Little Acorn Cafe
Another nice place for brunch, only 7 mins drive from our place. It is a beautiful little place. Decor welcoming, warm and trendy. Food is beautiful, staff member is very friendly and welcoming too
A famous pub with delicious food, right on the Wicklow Way! Close to Glenmacnass Waterfall.
Great pub/restaurant and guest house situated in the wicklow mountains with lovely views and walks. Lovely atmosphere, excellent food and beverage, pleasant and efficient staff. Very busy establishment but well worth a visit
27 當地人推薦
The Glenmalure Lodge
Wicklow WayA famous pub with delicious food, right on the Wicklow Way! Close to Glenmacnass Waterfall.
Great pub/restaurant and guest house situated in the wicklow mountains with lovely views and walks. Lovely atmosphere, excellent food and beverage, pleasant and efficient staff. Very busy establishment but well worth a visit
Avon Ri Food Village is a 22 mins drive from our house.
Lots of food options big blue bus have class pizzas also the burger place is whopper too.
Great way to spend a few hours and get a nice walk in on the green way. Scenery is spectacular of the lakes
Avon Rí, Burgage More, Co. Wicklow, 愛爾蘭
Avon Ri Food Village is a 22 mins drive from our house.
Lots of food options big blue bus have class pizzas also the burger place is whopper too.
Great way to spend a few hours and get a nice walk in on the green way. Scenery is spectacular of the lakes
Sightseeing
7 mins drive from our place, the Abbey is situated on the east bank of the River Slaney on the North side of Baltinglass town. The six beautiful Gothic arches on either side of the nave, supported by alternate round and square pillars, are a noteworthy feature of the ruins.
The Abbey was founded in 1148 by Dermot McMurrogh. Dermot McMurrogh brought Cistercian monks from Mellifont. It was established for the Cistercians which was called “The Valley of Salvation”. In 1228 the records show that there were 36 monks and 50 lay brothers living in the abbey. In the early 16th Century Baltinglass abbey was one the richest abbeys in Ireland until the the reformation by Henry VIII which saw the dissolution of the order.
Fragments of the Church and traces of the cloister still stand to this day. The church consisted of the nave with aisles, chancel and two tapestries. The decorative stonework at the abbey shows an very interesting combination of Cistercian and Irish Romanesque architecture.
7 當地人推薦
Baltinglass Abbey
7 mins drive from our place, the Abbey is situated on the east bank of the River Slaney on the North side of Baltinglass town. The six beautiful Gothic arches on either side of the nave, supported by alternate round and square pillars, are a noteworthy feature of the ruins.
The Abbey was founded in 1148 by Dermot McMurrogh. Dermot McMurrogh brought Cistercian monks from Mellifont. It was established for the Cistercians which was called “The Valley of Salvation”. In 1228 the records show that there were 36 monks and 50 lay brothers living in the abbey. In the early 16th Century Baltinglass abbey was one the richest abbeys in Ireland until the the reformation by Henry VIII which saw the dissolution of the order.
Fragments of the Church and traces of the cloister still stand to this day. The church consisted of the nave with aisles, chancel and two tapestries. The decorative stonework at the abbey shows an very interesting combination of Cistercian and Irish Romanesque architecture.
Absolutely breathtaking views and scenery. All you pay for is food and parking. Loads of places to choose from to eat. I would recommend bringing a picnic as when you get to the upper lake there are lovely grounds around to sit and enjoy or to swim in the lake, As it is a trek back to the car park. Beautiful trails all the way down to the Miners village. Just beautiful you won’t be disappointed. Prepare to walk
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Absolutely breathtaking views and scenery. All you pay for is food and parking. Loads of places to choose from to eat. I would recommend bringing a picnic as when you get to the upper lake there are lovely grounds around to sit and enjoy or to swim in the lake, As it is a trek back to the car park. Beautiful trails all the way down to the Miners village. Just beautiful you won’t be disappointed. Prepare to walk
The famous Guinness Lake. Stunning location! Great views over this beautiful lake. There’s a lot of filming done in this area. There’s a bit of car parking space at the side of the road.
Lough Tay Viewing Point
The famous Guinness Lake. Stunning location! Great views over this beautiful lake. There’s a lot of filming done in this area. There’s a bit of car parking space at the side of the road.
Beautiful monument of nature and stunning spot to get great memories and pictures.There is parking and you are able to walk down to the top of the waterfall at your own risk. I would recommend bringing a good pair of running or hiking shoes the rocks were a tad slippery. However, it was relatively easy and the view was spectacular. Also beautiful views directly from the road.
On the way back, stop by the Glenmalure Pub & Lodge for nice food and nice Irish pub environment.
Glenmacnass Waterfall
Beautiful monument of nature and stunning spot to get great memories and pictures.There is parking and you are able to walk down to the top of the waterfall at your own risk. I would recommend bringing a good pair of running or hiking shoes the rocks were a tad slippery. However, it was relatively easy and the view was spectacular. Also beautiful views directly from the road.
On the way back, stop by the Glenmalure Pub & Lodge for nice food and nice Irish pub environment.
Avon Ri Blessington Lakes is 22 mins drive from our place.
Great way to spend a few hours and get a nice walk in on the green way. Scenery is spectacular of the lakes
You may end the walk with lots of food options big blue bus have class pizzas also the burger place is whopper too.
Avon Rí, Burgage More, Co. Wicklow, 愛爾蘭
Avon Ri Blessington Lakes is 22 mins drive from our place.
Great way to spend a few hours and get a nice walk in on the green way. Scenery is spectacular of the lakes
You may end the walk with lots of food options big blue bus have class pizzas also the burger place is whopper too.
A pleasant area for a pit stop with garden, trees, plants from all over the globe, a river and the most amazing cakes and bakes at Avoca Cafe (a little pricy), plus a little shopping area too.
38 當地人推薦
Avoca Mount Usher Gardens
A pleasant area for a pit stop with garden, trees, plants from all over the globe, a river and the most amazing cakes and bakes at Avoca Cafe (a little pricy), plus a little shopping area too.