Timmins calls on Failte Ireland to put destination route in south Wicklow area
Fine Gael Wicklow / East Carlow TD, Billy Timmins, has today (Wednesday) urged Fáilte Ireland to include South West Wicklow in its current draft proposals, which outline a number of driving routes in Wicklow/Kildare. These will be marketed as destination driving routes.
However, Timmins stated “the proposals are basically flawed as huge scenic areas of the county are being excluded”.
Deputy Timmins has met with Representatives of Fáilte Ireland and made a submission of an additional route, which he hopes will be included.
The Road Less Travelled:
This route brings you through the hills and glens of rural Wicklow passing several villages untouched by time.
It is ideal for a meandering drive where one can experience the woods, heathers and streams of the idyllic countryside.
The total drive time is about 2 hours; however you can take shorter options:
Dunlavin/ Hollywood/Glen of Imaal is a 40 minutes drive.
Dunlavin/ Baltinglass/ Kiltegan/Rathdangan/Hollywood is a 1 hour drive
The Aghavannagh/Drumgoff/Greenane loop of 45 minutes presents some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
On route there are many attractions. Hollywood village has been the location for many film shoots; including "Dancing at Lugnasa" and the “Michael Collins" classic. Each August it holds a Fair where one takes a step back in time of half a century.
Dunlavin Green was the scene to the execution of 40 local men in the 1798 rebellion and the Glen of the Imaal is home to the Irish Army's artillery range, with clear signage indicating where one can go.
Baltinglass on the River Slaney is home to an 11th century ruined Cistercian Abbey and the local churches are well worth a visit.
The South Wicklow leg of Tinahealy; Shillelagh, Carnew and National tidy towns Winner - Aughrim contains many beautiful walks including the historical Tomnafinnoge Oak walk. If you have some spare time the Aghavannagh/Drumgoff /Greenane loop drive is well worth a visit with stunning views of the Wicklow countryside.
While the total journey takes a little over 2 hours, to get maximum benefit you should allow yourself more time to sample the friendly countryside and indeed overnight accommodation will permit you to partake of what’s on offer locally. Whether it is the hillside pub or riverside café it is an experience you will cherish and share with a friendly people who always have time to talk.
