Dublin and the East:Layout 1 03/05/2007 22:29 Page 69
BRAY – ARKLOW – ENNISKERRY: APPROX 170KM
N7
Naas Enniskerry Bray
R761
ROADTRIP
R411
Greystones
R755
Ballymore Eustace
Kilcoole
Roundwood
R756
Glendalough R761
Laragh
Wicklow
R755
Rathdrum
THIS TOUR TAKES YOU FROM THE TOWN OF BRAY SOUTH TO ARKLOW
R750
Macreddin
Avoca
AND THEN BACK NORTH THROUGH SOME OF THE BEST SCENERY IN
Woodenbridge
R747
Arklow
COUNTY WICKLOW AND AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WEST INTO COUNTY
KILDARE AND THEN NORTH-EAST TO DUBLIN.
The popular holiday resort of Bray in north County Wicklow, is famed for its mile-long esplanade and seaside
entertainment, including the National Sealife Centre. From here, take the R761 south, which passes by the Little Sugar
Loaf Mountain and Killruddery House, home of the Earl of Meath. About 4km later, you will happen upon the coastal
village of Greystones. A further 5km south on the R761 is the village of Kilcoole and the Glenroe Open Farm.
The road continues south through the village of Newcastle before reaching Rathnew and the nearby Mount Usher
Gardens in Ashford. From Rathnew, the road leads to historic Wicklow Town. Just beyond Market Square is
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol where the 1798 rebels were held in the aftermath of the rebellion.
The R750 coastal drive continues south to the spectacular beaches and sea views of Brittas Bay. From Brittas,
continue south along the coast to the seaside resort of Arklow on the south bank of the Avoca estuary. Leave Arklow
on the T7 and bear right at Woodenbridge toward the village of Avoca. About 4km north of Avoca, you’ll find the
Meeting of the Waters where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers come together to form the River Avoca. Nearby is the
tree beneath which the poet Thomas Moore (1779–1852) composed his famous poem of the same name in 1807.
Take the road opposite the Meetings Pub and follow the signs to Aughrim, taking the right turn at the church
and following the signs to Macreddin. Browse the food, wine and craft shops before continuing north past the maze
in Greenane, to Rathdrum (10km). At Rathdrum you can visit Avondale House and Forest Park, the birthplace of
Charles Stewart Parnell, and enjoy fine views over The Vale of Clara. About 9km north on the R755 from Rathdrum
is the village of Laragh. Stop for tea and scones in one of the cottages on the green, and then head to nearby
Glendalough, an absolute ‘must’ for any visitor to Wicklow. Return to Laragh and continue north-east along the
R755 for about 8km to Ireland’s highest village, Roundwood, which also lays claim to some of Ireland’s highest
pubs and cafés. The journey north from here, parallel to the famous Wicklow Way walking route, swings past the
Vartry Reservoir and the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain and on to the picturesque village of Enniskerry, home to the
magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens and nearby Waterfall. From Enniskerry, return less than 3km east to Bray.
Alternatively, from Glendalough, take the R756 through the Wicklow Gap to reach the N81 (main Dublin–Tullow
road), go north for a short period and turn left into County Kildare, following signs for Ballymore Eustace. The pretty
village comes alive each year during the Irish National Hunt Festival held at nearby Punchestown Racecourse each
April and has excellent restaurants. If there is racing on, stop off at Punchestown, home of National Hunt racing in
Ireland, and if there isn’t, admire the prehistoric Punchestown standing stone just inside the racecourse grounds.
Thought to have been erected between 2000 and 500BC, the 7m high stone is said to have been thrown by Fionn
Mac Cumhaill from the Hill of Allen to the West, and is one of what are known as ‘Fionn’s needles’. Continue along
the R411 to the lively town of Naas, with shopping, accommodation and entertainment opportunities to tempt you
to end your road trip and stay the night, before making the straightforward journey along the N7 towards Dublin.
dublin and the east 69
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