West Wicklow
Saints, rebels and stone circles are just some of the treats in store for those heading out along the West Wicklow Heritage Trail.
The looped trail begins and ends in the village of Hollywood. With strong links to St Kevin of Glendalough, the village has welcomed thousands of pilgrims over the years and the earliest indication of a church in Hollywood is found in the 13th century.
The trail continues onto Dunlavin and its attractive Palladian-style market house. The town also has strong links to the 1798 rebellion, during which 35 men were executed at the Fair Green.
The next destination is the Bronze Age stone circle at Castleruddery, where there is also a defensive motte which was built in the 12th century following the arrival of the Normans.
Baltinglass Heritage Town is the next stop. Located in an area of rich archaeological interest that boasts a number of hillforts, the town itself has several historical sites, including the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, the old courthouse and the Sam McAllister statue.
From here, the trail leads to Kilranelagh Graveyard, which includes the foundations of a church, St Brigid’s holy well, some small stone crosses, the grave of Sam McAllister and two unusual upright stones which are referred to as the Gates of Heaven.
The next stop is the Dwyer-McAllister cottage, which is associated with that hero of the 1798 rebellion, Michael O’Dwyer, and displays furniture and memorabilia from that time.
From there, the trail heads much further back in time with a visit to the Knickeen Ogham Stone near the Glen of Imaal. With its Christian inscription in the earliest form of writing known in Ireland, the imposing stone has been dated to between 400-550AD.
Ogham is again on display at the next stop on the trail, Donard, thanks to the stone in the centre of the village. Donard has its origins as a monastic settlement and the village contains the ruins of a medieval church as well as some ancient grave slabs. Donard also has strong connections to the 1798 rebellion.
The final destination on the West Wicklow Heritage Trail is the Piper’s Stones, a large Bronze Age stone circle that originally contained 29 stones.
The trail is 80km long and, taking in the River Slaney Special Area of Conservation, the outer edge of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and one of the largest groupings of prehistoric forts in Ireland, it should take a full day to complete.