The Military Road weaves its way through the rugged Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin. A thin ribbon of asphalt the only visible sign of mans intervention in the purple, heather clad landscape.
The road was quite a feat of engineering when constructed by the British Redcoats in the aftermath of the 1798 Rebellion. Its purpose: to allow easy access to a region untamed by the power of the most powerful empire of the time.
The route traverses some of the loveliest scenery in Europe, including the serenely beautiful ancient lakeside monastery at Glendalough. Today, in altogether more peaceful days, the road ends in Aughavannagh Valley, a quiet mountain glen only 40 miles south of Dublin.
Exploring Wicklow County Today in Ireland
County Wicklow is situated on Ireland’s east coast and is known as ‘The Garden of Ireland.’ It manages to pack amazing variety into a relatively compact area including stunning mountain scenery, long golden beaches and a wealth of historical attractions from ancient monastic settlements to fine period houses and estates. Long glaciated valleys punctuate a wild and untamed expanse of mountains whilst in the valleys between, pretty villages provide welcoming pubs and restaurants.
Wicklow contains some of the most appealing landscapes in Ireland – the equal of the more famous areas of Kerry, Cork and Connemara. For an area so easily accessible from air and ferry ports, the area is blissfully devoid of mass tourism; indeed one of the greatest challenges for the visitor is to find high quality accommodation with character that can accommodate larger families or groups.
Quiet Country Holidays in Luqnaquilla Mountain at Aughavannagh Cottage
Deep in the mountains off the beaten track lies Aughavannagh (from the Irish Acadh Bheannach; the Middle Field) – a great bowl of a valley dominated by the 3000 foot Luqnaquilla Mountain. Here, tucked away up a leafy lane off a quiet country road lies Aughavannagh Cottage, a beautiful Wicklow cottage available for rent to visitors or travelers to the area and Ireland.
Aughavannagh Cottage was recently described by The Irish Times as ‘High in the Wicklow Mountains, just the most picture perfect example of a country home. It retains the 19th century cottage feel, but with all the comforts of a good home away from home.’
Sleeping up to 7, this lovely cottage is full equipped with every modern convenience yet retains all the charm of a bygone era. Easily accessible from Dublin, this is the perfect venue for golf, hill walking, sailing and fishing – or just lazing about enjoying the beautiful Irish landscape. For more information, please visit: www.holidaywicklow.com.
The house is set on 5 acres with ample space for sitting outside and there is garden furniture and a barbecue. It includes a fully equipped kitchen with an oil fired range as well as a modern hob and oven. There are two beautiful double bedrooms, a twin room and one single bedroom sharing two bathrooms. There’s also an on-site washer and dryer.
Up and Around Aughavannagh and Luqnaquilla Mountain
For the golfer, Aughavannagh Cottage is within easy reach of some of Ireland’s greatest courses with a wide variety of venues to choose from. Challenging coastal links and beautiful parkland settings are all nearby. These include Druids Glen, recent hosts of the Irish Open is a short 40-minute drive. At many of the courses Mount Juliet and the magnificent K Club, home of the Ryder Cup in 2007.
For those keen on enjoying Irelands growing reputation for great food, the Brooklodge Hotel, just 20 minutes from Aughavannagh, provides tempting dining opportunities at its famed Strawberry Tree restaurant where the emphasis is on organic produce sourced fresh from local suppliers.
Back in the mountains, it’s always worth calling in to the Glenmalure Lodge pub over the pass in the next valley to Aughavannagh. Here, Pat and Anne and their friendly staff serve creamy pints of Guinness to sheep farmers, lumberjacks, postmen and various assorted locals and visitors alike. The welcome is as warm as that to be found in the glens or cities anywhere else in Ireland.
Nearby Sights: Aughrim, Brittas Bay and Dublin
In the local area there are many pretty villages (including ‘Ballykissangel’ of BBC TV fame) complete with welcoming pubs and restaurants. The village of Aughrim (recent winner of Irelands Tidiest Town) is 20 minutes away and the lovely beach at Brittas Bay is a little over half an hour down the valley to the sea.
In this beautiful setting, secluded but not remote, it’s hard to believe you are only an hour’s drive from Ireland’s vibrant capital city of Dublin. Easily accessible for day trips to the Guinness brewery and Trinity College, Dublin provides fabulous shopping on Grafton Street or an opportunity to visit to one of the cities famous pubs.
All told, County Wicklow and Aughavannagh Cottage could be the perfect solution for those looking to experience the real Ireland. A vacation at Aughavannagh Cottage provides beautiful unspoilt scenery, easy access to Dublin, a range of things to do and at the end of each day, beautiful high quality authentic Irish cottage accommodation.
For more information, please visit: www.holidaywicklow.com.