Till Mueller
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IoM Aug 7-9, Belfast Aug 9-10, all WAW dates shift 1 day earlier. New 06i-wicklow.md: Glendalough, upper lake walk, Powerscourt on drive to Dublin. Cork Aug 27, Wicklow Aug 28-29, Dublin Aug 30 morning. Updated all section date headers, WAW overview table, README.
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Wicklow
Type: East coast stop — between Cork and Dublin Dates: ~Aug 29 (1 night) Recommended stay: 1 night Best for: Glendalough, mountain scenery, green contrast after the Atlantic west coast
Why Visit
The Wicklow Mountains are directly on the route from Cork to Dublin and make for a far more interesting overnight than driving straight to the capital. Glendalough is one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sites — a 6th-century settlement in a glacial valley with two lakes — and the surrounding mountains are excellent walking country. Good Irish colleague recommendation.
Must-See
- Glendalough — A 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in a steep glacial valley with two lakes. The round tower, cathedral ruins, and lakeside walks are all free to access. One of Ireland's most visited heritage sites but feels less crowded than the west coast highlights in summer. Allow 2–3h for a proper walk around both lakes.
- Wicklow Mountains National Park — Ireland's largest national park. The Wicklow Way long-distance trail passes through; shorter loops from Glendalough are well-marked and scenic. The upper lake walk (2h return) is the pick.
- Sally Gap — A high mountain pass road (R115) through open bog and moorland. Dramatic and desolate — a striking contrast to the lush valleys. Worth driving if you're approaching from the west.
- Powerscourt Estate — 18th-century mansion with one of Europe's finest formal gardens, 5km from Enniskerry. On the Dublin side of the mountains — good stop on the morning drive into the city.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive from Cork, Glendalough afternoon
Drive from Cork (~3h via M8/N81 or via Waterford for a scenic detour). Arrive Laragh or Glendalough village by early afternoon. Walk Glendalough: monastic ruins, lower lake, upper lake trail. Dinner in Laragh or the nearby village of Rathnew.
Morning of Aug 30 — Drive to Dublin (~1h)
Glendalough → Dublin via N11 is ~1h 15min. Plenty of time to reach Dublin, check in, and get to Aviva Stadium for a midday/afternoon kickoff.
Optional: Powerscourt Estate on the way into Dublin if you have 1–2h to spare — it's directly on the N11 route.
EV Charging
- Blessington (N81, on route from Cork) — ESB charger; good stop on the approach
- Laragh / Glendalough — No rapid charger in the immediate area; charge in Blessington or Rathnew before arriving
- Rathnew / Wicklow town (15 min from Glendalough) — ESB chargers
- Powerscourt / Enniskerry — ESB charger in the village; convenient on the Dublin morning drive
Practical Info
- From Cork: ~3h via M8 to Carlow, then N81 north through Blessington to Laragh. Or via Waterford/Wexford on the coastal N25/N11 for a longer but more scenic approach (~4h).
- Accommodation: Laragh has a handful of guesthouses; Rathnew and Wicklow town have more options.
- Workation: Fine for an evening of work; not a workation destination.
- Currency: Euro