Funky natural food market, cafe and restaurant in Greystones, Wicklow (just south of Dublin). Amazing good value vegetarian food and friendly vibe. Run by two enormously likeable and mad identical twin brothers who are totally committed to sustainability, organic, quality produce, brilliant food, positive thinking and good craic. It's in a gorgeous old seaside town that is a DART ride from Dublin City Centre too. Check out their website to see a film of them and their place.
Church Road, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland
www.thehappypear.ie
Google map: tinyurl.com/ybfcc9b
Glendalough in Ireland is one of the most serene places imaginable. A deeply glaciated valley (the water is cold!) with towering mountains, monastic ruins and an ever changing sky. Although its proximity to Dublin means it can be busy at the weekend , during the week it's usually all yours. The upper lake boasts crystal clear water and a shingle beach. We stayed in Aughavannagh Cottage, a short jaunt over the mountains in the next valley. Almost every morning we managed a swim before breakfast - the one exception was when we climbed Lugnaquilla, at just over 3000 feet, the highest mountain in Leinster.
If you want to take in the fresh air while discovering wild, beautiful and captivating nature then the Wicklow Way in Ireland is what you're looking for. Traditionally the way starts at Marlay Park in the county of Dublin. However, it could easily start at other waypoints such as Lough Tay or Oldbridge. It doesn't matter! What matters is you appreciating the amazing scenery around you and knowing your way from any waypoint to another.
Thus you'd need at least a map with waypoints clearly marked and a compass. And if, like me, you're also a technology enthusiast, then you could also use a GPS to which you've previously downloaded GPS data. But most important of all: you need good shoes!
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Wicklow basics
- Population:
- 9355
- Currency:
- Euro
- Time zone:
- GMT
- Dialling code:
- 353 (0) 40