WICKLOW
VALES
AVONDALE HOUSE, JUST SOUTH OF RATHDRUM WAS THE HOME OF
CHARLES STEWART PARNELL (1846 - 91) IRISH M.P. AND TIRELESS
CAMPAIGNER FOR HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.
The
Wicklow Mountains take in the western extent of the county, the sea
at the east and the beautiful Vales to the south which slip gently into
the South East.
Wicklow as such is not part of the recognised South Eastern region but
it lies so close to the main towns of that region that many of its features
are within easy distance.
In the very centre of the county is Laragh (An Láithreach)
which represents the furthest north that we go. South of here are the
vales which hide tranquil villages set in the foothills of the Wicklow
Mountains. There is not much to the village, Lynhams Bar and Restaurant
can provide your subsistence needs but across the road is a unique feature
of Laragh (pronounced 'Lara'). On a small village green, summer tables
are set out under the leafy trees and travellers relax whilst one of
the unique Tearooms looks after their needs. There are about
three teahouses in a row of little cottages by the green and once seated,
hours can easily pass in this most restful of places.
There is a Woollen Mill Shop in the town and everything points to the
outdoor life here, with walkers, ramblers and cyclists by far in the
majority.
All around are wooded slopes with a thick carpet of trees rising up
slopes and covering hill tops.
