Map of the last county to be shired in Ireland 1641.The Clans of Wiklo held out for as long as they could but eventually had to succumb to the might of the colonists. Areas not to miss highlighted above
CRíOC BRANAC The O'Byrnes Country
Up to around the 1600's the various septs of the Byrne Clan ruled the main areas of South and Eastern Wicklow. The burocracy in Dublin for the lack of any other definitive term called this area the '' O'Byrne's Country '' in their admin documents and maps until the county was shired. Today the Byrne's are the 7th most numerous Irish surname in Ireland. |
BRAY 14 miles from Dublin by train along the coast, Victorian Seaside Promenade by the Puff Puff, O'Toole's Harbour Bar, Sail around Bray Head, Killruddery House, a big Mac in the Brabazon Townhall or a great Nepalese in the Kathmandu then an afterwards a pint next door.
Voted the best night out place in Ireland ! ENNISKERRY POWERSCOURT The great house, gardens and demense , excellent hotel and golf course, a stroll and a pint in the village, see the old forge
GREYSTONES Stroll the sea front from the new marina around the rocky shore to a mile long strand, back to the buzzing main st and a gourmet dinner with Pat in his Hungry Monk . $++ but plenty of all other types of eateries
BLESSINGTON A stunning drive across the mountains via the Wicklow Gap to the main village of east Wicklow. Rhoda Byrne' s Arms Hotel before heading off Tiglin water sports on the reservoir, don't miss a pint in the stone cutters village of Knockananna. Divert a bit to Russborough House if you like real Gainsborough's
GLENDALOUGH The Jewel in the Crown, Glendalough must not be missed. An ancient monastic city set in a majestic valley around two lakes with actual remains of stone churches, very old grave monuments and a perfect Roundtower. Good Parking and free entry to stroll and climb the many walks. A very good interpretive centre and one hotel for refreshments. One day tours readily available from Dublin.
GLENMALURE In the heart of the O'Byrnes Country. An inpenetrable valley in the mountainy terrain of Wicklow. Once the centre of anti colonial Ireland, Glenmalure was the stronghold of Feagh Mac Hugh O'Byrne who won a major battle over the crown forces in 1580. The Byrnes are now the 7th most numerous Irish surname in Ireland. Get the feeling with a stroll up along the riverside to the place where it all happened. Pass Ballinacor house site of Feagh's home but only open on open days.
WICKLOW TOWN The Administrative Centre of County Wicklow. Must visit the renovated Wicklow Gaol, the interprative tour is worth engaging in, Catch them, Gaol them, Hang them , or ship them off to Australia ( after the 1798 rebellion) Nowadays just join the 'Sail Around Ireland ' once a year or get your Driving Licence within a day by post !
HIDDEN WICKLOW Just a quick stop and reflect at the Meeting of the Waters and think about the famous O'Moore melodies. Five minutes on to Avoca and a pint in Fitzgeralds TV famous pub in the centre of the village.
Note. All villages and towns in Ireland come with rejuvenating feelings after the pubs close, you believe that and you are surely at home. You have just toured one of the most interesting and beautiful counties in Ireland. For County Admin... Genealogy... Roots... Tourism... Links ....>see below. THE CLANS OF WICKLOW Byrne...O'Toole...Doyle...Murphy......Kavanagh...Nolan...Dunne...Tighe... Furlong... Tallon... Farrell... Lalor...Kehoe...Kelly... Brien... Redmond...Eustace... Lombard...Walsh... Fitzwilliam For more details of the Septs, History, places, click Clan O'Byrne today. |