Welcome to our new look

The Wicklow Way Website is a website dedicated to supplying local wicklow information and interactive services to the local community. Our motto is Living Life The Wicklow Way…

Brought to you by Roz Kelly and Skippy the Dog, we offer fresh news on events taking place in the area, local information on all the towns and villages of county wicklow  plus we also have an online business directory to which you can add your business, club or organisation ( as long as it is Wicklow based) plus you can view our wicklow galleries and videos or indeed connect and chat with other wicklow folk on our forums.

We are always happy to hear feedback and indeed we would especially like feedback on the new site layout (January 2009) so please feel free to email suggestions, topics you would like included, your community news or upcoming events etc etc to :
office@thewicklowway.ie

Walking in Powerscourt & Clone Woods with Hilltop Treks October 2008

Wicklow Way Walk – Clonegal to Shillelagh – September 2008

Sunday Stroll Thru Wicklow Town September 2008

Wicklow Landscapes:

Skippys Broken Paw gallery – wish I’d had PetPlan now!!

Things to do in Wicklow Introduction

Living in Wicklow can be a full and interesting way to live – however it can also be difficult if your new to the area.

Thus we here at The Wicklow Way.ie (of Living)

have tried to help you find out

• What is on,
• Where it is on,
• Who is likely to be there,
• When is it and
• Why the heck should you bother goin anyway?!!!

  For example the recently opened GREYSTONES THEATRE is attracting many music and culture lovers to its exciting nights and you can become a patron of theirs for as little as €50 per month which will ensure you always have a ticket to the best gig in town!!

Joining a club is a great way to meet like-minded people – and the sooner you join the sooner you have an outlet to enjoy your free time – after all, what do we work for but to be able to enjoy our free time.

Some people may find the idea of joining a club a bit daunting  so we also recommend places to go walking, nice places to eat or relax and you can join in our online forums to find whatever it is that you would prefer to do – why not start up a club of your own – use the forums here on The Wicklow Way.ie!

Single parents can benefit enormously form networking with other parents and organising school transport, morning care, evening babysitters – all to make life easier for each and every one.

So get to it and start Living Life The Wicklow Way!

Roz & Skippy the dog xx

If you have a club or idea that you would like to add to this section just email us the details to office@thewicklowway.ie and we will be delighted to highlight it for you free of charge!

Review of:
Bates Restaurant,

(Beside the Cartoon Inn)
Rathdrum,
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 404 29988

Bates restaurant situated down the scenic cobblestone lane beside the Cartoon Inn in Rathdrum town, Co Wicklow was the location for our family get together last week.

Tempting though it is to heap praise without negative opinions, we have promised to keep our reviews as honest as possible so here goes:

Bates restaurant have recently celebrated their First Anniversary and to coincide they have created a new mouth watering menu with plenty of options to suit both the meat lover and the vegetarian.

The night in question was a quiet midweek night thus we had no trouble choosing a seat (we had booked), however, the background music was a bit um..odd. Sort of quiet techno all night. Having said that I think someone forgot to change it as, having been there last Spring the music was much mellower. But perhaps I am getting old?

Never mind that though, the food , my friends, the food!
Between the four of us we shared our plates in order to get a taste of as many dishes as possible including:

• wild mushrooms on toast -mmmm,
• lobster risotto,
• seafood chowder,
• seafood salad,
• goats cheese,
• pork with crackling
• turbot in a brown butter sauce.

Suffice to say the entire meal was delicious with everyone happy with their choice.

We also had a bottle of fine South African wine, an Italian beer and a Brandy in a heated glass.

Total cost including optional 15% tip came in under €180 for four adults.

We at www.thewicklowway.ie would highly recommend Bates Restaurant in Rathdrum for a special evening out preferably at the weekend when it is at it’s livliest.

Oh yes, they had a very sexy dish for meat lovers with fillet steak (for two) cooked rare only and served at the table with Bernaise sauce and more, which sounded like a very intimate experience to try. next time…

It is neccessary to book in advance so do telephone them on +353 (0) 404 29988

Restaurants in Wicklow ~ Skippy The Dog Knows Good Food!

wicklow town restaurants

China Chef Restaurant + Takeaway

Sth quay Wicklow , Wicklow Town Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 62400 Fast Takeaway Service – Clean and Friendly

Donelli’s Cafe

Market Square, Wicklow Town Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 61333 Sit outside for coffee- lovely upstairs too

Grand Hotel The (Wicklow) Al Mondo Restaurant

Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)404 673 Good Food..Drinks can be had from the bar also.

Jack Whites Inn & Restaurant

Jack Whites Cross Off N11 / M50 Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 47106 Famous Pub – Great For Large Group Bookings!

Leitrim Bar & Lounge

15 Leitrim pl, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 6 7443 Carvery – Good Pint with your Food

Lil Doyle’s

Restaurant

Barndarrig, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 48111 Homely Atmosphere – Cosy with Bar

Organic Life

Restaurant

Tinna Park, Kilpeddar, Co.Wicklow Tel: 01 2011882 You are what you eat…

Oriental Castle Restaurant

Market Square Wicklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 69666 Quaint Decor – High Quality Food

Pings Chinese Restaurant (Wicklow)

The Mall Main st Wicklow Town Wicklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 62763 Friendly busy comfortable Restaurant – Great Food! Late Serving.

Strawberry Tree (The) Restaurant

Brooklodge Hotel Maccreddin Aughrim Co Wicklow Ireland Tel: +353 402 36444 Fax: +353 402 36580 Email: brooklodge@macreddin.ie Web: www.brooklodge.com Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant,The Strawberry Tree is an experience not to be missed! Click here to view a sample menu >>>

Square Steakhouse

Market Square, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404 6 6422 Great Steaks, Wine and Pints of the black stuff plus Heineken.

Hillwalking in Wicklow

Walking Groups in Wicklow and Wexford

if you love nature, want to keep fit, and like to socialise than joining a local walking group may be just the thing for you. If you fancy starting up a group then why not reach out for other members on our forums ?

You may be suprised how many mums just want to meet up with others for short walks round the county. Get Out There- You Only Live Once!!!

The following website offers information on the nearest walking group to you so check it out now. www.mountaineering.ie

Check out our Big Walk Blog from The Wicklow Way Trail

We are very pleased to have help in organising this from Christopher Stacey of Footfalls mountain tours. see his website; www.walkinghikingireland.com for more details and sample itineraries.

Hilltop treks are organising some fun walks

this December so put these in your diary now!! We plan to be on the full moon walk ourselves so see you there!

Come along on our Full Moon Walk on December 12th

This particular walk will start from the Glendalough Hotel at 7 p.m. on that Friday night.

All are welcome.

The walk is not too difficult but will give you excellent views over the Glendalough Valley. It will be along a trail for the majority of the walk. It will last between 3 and 4 hours.

You will be expected to bring your normal day pack hiking trip along with a head torch.

Raingear as always is essential and a good pair of walking boots. Bring along an extra fleece for extra warmth.

A hot drink should be brought along as well as we will be stopping along the way.

Booking is essential for these walks so get in early.

For more details and booking click here

Plus closer to Christmas:

Christmas Walk Sun 21^st December

It’s that time of year again Santa’s on the way, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and all the eating and drinking too much is starting to take its toll.

So why not get away from the Christmas madness for a few hours and unwind with a walk in Wicklow.

With it being Christmas time we will have a festive theme on this walk, mulled wine and mince pies to help you on your way.

Hopefully the Mulled wine will be warm by the time we get to drink it.

This will be a 3-4 hr moderate walk. For more details and booking click here

The price for this walk will be just €25 and it’s important to book early as places will be limited.

Coming Up- Deer Walk in Glendalough

Saturday 18th October 2008 Deer Walk in Glendalough

Giving you plenty of time to plan the day!

Telescopes will be set up between 11am and 4pm with guides on hand to chat and answer your questions about the glens’ famous deer. Call into the information office for directions to the telescopes, this is a small change from previous years where guides used to escort you- however, just wear appropriate clothing and bring a warm drink and food. Its lots of fun and I intend to be there!!
But do bear in mind that it’s rutting season so don’t get too close to a Stag!!

For more details go to www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie

Rosa & Skippy the dog

xx

Tags: deer walk glendalough

If your looking to join a walking group for hill walking and coastal walking in wicklow and wexford then check out this september / october walking schedule from the wexford hillwalking club. We’re getting our hiking boots on!!
Click to view walk-schedule-july-to-october-08

Here’s the link to the mountaineering council of Ireland (MCI) ‘find your nearest club’ page:
http://www.mountaineering.ie/nearestclub/index.asp

Or if you live closer to Dublin but love walking wicklow then contact Terry at www.hilltoptreks.ie

See his recent Charity walk photos for the Irish Heart Foundation below:

Our BIG WALK:

WELL! how fit are those hillwalking guys?!!!

HillWalking is best done in Threes

we started this morning meeting up at the filling station in Shillelagh Co Wicklow, yours truly, Christopher, Teresa and Paul. Christopher drove us to the Clonegal starting point of the wicklow way walk. At one junction there was no sign so we turned left after pondering Teresas’ map – This was the correct decision!

Christopher beeped bye and left Teresa, Paul and I there to begin our walking of the wicklow way at Clonegal.

The start of the walk was mainly road walking which I was assured was hard on the legs. They were quiet country roads and pleasant to walk on. After awhile we turned off the roads to the right onto tracks. This area was a nature reserve and was an oasis of peace and quiet. Each of us were left to our own thoughts as we methodically walked uphill in the SCORCHING day!!

Oh, didn’t I mention the weather. phew. my god, my factor 30 generously applied reguarly was still not enough of a barrier to that hot hot sun beating down on us.

Look for signposts hidden in the bushes

I must admit there was a point here when I kept thinking of how nice it would be to be swimming in the lovely cold Irish sea and why was I putting myself through this hardship on my holidays etc etc… but then we reached the top and had a moments rest and whatddya know – everything was rosy again!

During one of my chats with Teresa she told me about how Footfalls and Walking Hiking Ireland got started.

Apparently Christopher used to work in Forestry and always had a love for the land. Once when out walking with a local youth club and their leaders Christopher sensed that they were taking the wrong route – towards an upcoming cliff no less!! and when he pointed this put to the leaders they checked their map positioning only to discover that he was indeed right and so veered the youngsters away from impending doom and back to the safety of the correct route. (phew!)

These Signs are often hidden so search before you turn

This got Christopher thinking – he would like to learn to read a map etc and so he took part in various mountain skills courses and found that he was a natural.

Years later he has qualified to teach mountain skills and is very comfortable leading groups across the mountains – and believe me you will feel safe and sound in his presence. His company Footfalls Holidays has organically grown into a busy friendly business doing what Christopher and Teresa love best – Sharing a love for hill walking.

For details on the routes and packages available visit their website www.walkinghikingireland.com and If you tell them that we sent you (the wicklow way.ie) you will receive a 10% discount on your booking!

Well folks, I gotta admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the day however, I kept thinking about poor Skippy and how I really ought to take him out for shorter walks on these few free days off. so, I am leaving the rest of the wicklow way walks to the guys whilst Skippy and I spend some quality wicklow time together and go visit some of Wicklows most popular attractions and get the lowdown for you all. If there is somewhere you would particuarly like to have visited / reviewed send me an email or comment on this blog.

Finally I would like to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU so much to Teresa, Paul and Christopher for their guidance and advice today – Best of luck with everything and ENJOY CANADA you lucky lucky folk!

VISIT OUR GALLERY OF THE DAY HERE >>>

E: office@thewicklowway.ie

(a very tired) Roz and Skippy
x

Skippys Favourite Food

Send In Your Favourite Recipe and Share The Love!!

PORK WITH CIDER:

We made this on a cold january evening last year and by golly was it gorgeous! Definately one to try for a lavishly tasty meal without costing too much! And its really not that hard I swear!
Takes about 45 mins to prepare and cook in total, serves 4
Note: whilst the dish is made more exciting with the brandy it can be made without – still very tasty! Need an oven and a hob...

Ingredients:

25g (1 oz/ 2 tablespoons) butter
4 pork chops
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons brandy
300 ml (10 fl oz/ 1 and quarter cups) dry cider
1 bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 small cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced ( cored – no middle part)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or thick sour cream
thyme sprigs and leaves to garnish

Step 1:

• Heat butter in heavy flameproof csserole ( well, we just used our regular old casserole dish!)

• Add chops, cook quickly till browned on both sides, remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 2:

• Preheat oven to 180C (350F/ Gas mark 4)
• Add onion to casserole dish and cook, stirring occasionally till soft.
• Add brandy and set alight- oooh the excitement, i feel like Gordan ramsay!
• When flames die down, stir in cider and bring to boil.
• Return chops to casserole
• Add bay leaf, salt and pepper
• Cover tightly and cook in oven for 20 minutes

Step 3:

• Toss apples in lemon juice
• Warm up your plates in oven for later – (see below)
• Add to casserole and cook for 10-15 mins
• Remove pork and apples from casserole with a slotted spoon (keeps juices in the casserole dish). transfer to warmed plates and keep warm
• Boil rest of the cooking liquid until lightly syrupy (back on hob)
• Stir in Creme fraiche or thinck sour cream
• Pour the lot over the pork and apples, garnish with thyme and serve!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

CODDLE:

Coddle was a firm favourite in Ireland particuarly in Dublin city in the 1950′s. The main reason for this was that it was cheap and easy to make lots of . Bear in mind that back then Dublin had many sheep and cows being farned in the area so access to pigmeat was easy. Also, being a Catholic country Dublin families were usually rather large – that’s a lotta mouths to feed!

Ingredients:

Pork Sausages
Rashers (Bacon)
Onions – 1 or 2
Potatoes

Method:

• Throw the lot in a big pot
• Fill the pot with water
• Bring to the Boil
• Cook over a low heat – simmering, until the potatoes are cooked
• The potatoes usually go a bit mushy – this makes the ‘coddle ‘ texture
• Eat it all up!

It tastes a lot better than it sounds – rather salty too. mmm,

Irish Lamb / Beef Stew

With the lack of sunshine and abundance of rainy wet weather in Ireland it is no suprise that Stew is a regular feature on many the Irish Families’ weekly meal list. Indeed there is nothing more welcoming after a hard days work -especially if you work outdoors, or after an outdoor hike, than to come home to a warm stew!!

Ingredients

1 and a half pounds stewing pieces (lamb or beef)  or whatever you think you need
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 or 2 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup water
4 cups beef stock
chopped carrots – 4/5 carrots,
As many as you think you need potatoes, peeled,and quartered,
1 teaspoon dried thyme, whole
1 bay leaf
chopped parsley

Method:

• Brown the meat in a pan first.
• Transfer the browned meat to a casserole dish
• Add the carrots, onions,seasoning and herbs and stock mix.
• Cover with water.
• Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, or until tender.

Not as fancy as some chefs but my mums stew rocks!! Plus it’s even nicer the next day when you reheat it

Tennis Clubs & Camps in Wicklow,Kildare & Dublin

Looking for Easter or Summer Camp ideas for the kids?  Then check out the  upcoming Easter tennis camps from the Jamie Stafford Tennis Academy with venues in Co Wicklow, Kildare and Dublin.

Easter Tennis Camp season is now signing up online at www.jsta.ie, details below:

EASTER TENNIS CAMP:

Dates:

Camp 1: Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th April (Inclusive)

Camp 2: Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th April (Inclusive)

INDOORS ON RAINY DAYS

10am to 3pm each dayFor Children aged 4 to 16 years (Groups will be divided by age & standard)

For just €79 per child for the week.

At the following venues in Dublin:

• Rathdown School Glenageary»
• St. Michael’s College Dublin 4»
• Wesley College Dublin 14»
• Castleknock College Dublin 15»
• St. Colmcille’s School Knocklyon Dublin 16»
• SPORTSCO Dublin 4
  to book call:  01-6687022 ext (0)

At the following venue in Wicklow:

• DCW Wicklow Town

At the following venue in Kildare:

• North Kildare Tennis Club Kilcock

Daily Camp Schedule:

• 10am to 11.30am – Coaching, practice & games on the day’s topic.
• 11.30am to 11.50am – Break
• 11.50am to 1pm – Fun Tournaments
• 1pm to 1.20pm – Break
• 1.20pm to 2.50pm – Combination of tennis games & video
• 2.50pm to 3pm – Wrap-up and get ready to go home

More information on our Holiday Camps:

JSTA run tennis camps in various locations throughout the year. You can book places either online or call Jamie on  087 278 8985 or email info@jsta.ie

Our tennis camps are designed to cater to two age brackets, from 4 to 12 years, and from 12 years and over.

For more information on any of the services offered, drop us an email or call Jamie on  087 278 8985 or visit us on Facebook >>

Taxi Services in Wicklow town:

66100 Cabs
58 Main Street,
Wicklow Town
Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 404 66100

If you have a taxi service in county wicklow why not email us your details and improve your customer base? Its free!

office@thewicklowway.ie

Pubs & Bars in Wicklow:

Wicklow offers a variety of pubs and bars some serving Lunch, Bar Food and others with live music and/ or entertainment such as Poker nights, Karaoke, Comedy, Table Quiz’s and much more.

Nel Keenans – The Olde Forge

Wicklow Town
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 404 67032

Recently renovated and under new management this comfortable traditional style pub is a welcoming and well known pub and bar right in the heart of Wicklow Town.

Open late on Thurs, Fridays and Saturdays till 2 am, This bar offers an alternative venue for clubbing in Wicklow with its nightclub offering mixed sets on Fri and Sunday nights suited to all ages, and the more dance orientated music upstairs in the nightclub on Saturdays.

Mickey Finns Pub Redcross

Redcross, Co Wicklow
Tel: 00353   40441661
E-mail: info@mickeyfinnspub.ie
Web: www.mickeyfinnspub.ie

Our Hallmark is our traditional warm welcome from our local staff. Whether you’re alone or with a group you’ll always feel at home in Mickey Finn’s, where the craic is mighty and new friendships are formed.

Jack Whites Pub And Restaurant

(At the N11 turnoff for Brittas bay)
Jack White’s
Ballinapark
Brittas Bay
Co. Wicklow
Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)404 47106
Email: info@jackwhites.com
Web: www.jackwhites.com

Jack Whites pub is an infamous stop off point for motorists travelling to and from Wexford and Dublin along the N11 / M50 motorway. Great food at reasonable prices

Jacobs Well

Rathdrum Main Street
Rathdrum
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 404 46282

Jacobs Well has been recently renovated and offers great food and a welcoming atmosphere to locals and visitors alike. Situated in the pretty growing town of Rathdrum, Helen and Noel Jacob will ensure that your visit is a memorable one.

Winner of Black & White pub of the year on numerous occasions, you can rest assured on quality service with a smile! Jacobs cater for functions such as 21st birthdays and 40ths etc so why not give them a call and celebrate in style.

Ernies Bar

Market Square
Wicklow Town
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 404 20877

Ernies bar is a popular haunt for sports lovers to watch the games on the big screen. Serving lunch 12-3pm Mon to Sat including Bank Holidays.

They also offer Live music & a late bar on weekends. Upstairs function room available for hire also

Chester Beattys

(The Chester Beatty Inn)
Ashford
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 404 40206

Old world charm with modern service, Chester Beattys pub is a cosy and friendly place to enjoy a pint of the black stuff! Serving food in the lounge and with accommodation available why not make a night of it?

Hey, you can even pop across to Clouseaus nightclub if your in the dancing mood!

Jay K’s

5 Main St
Arklow
Co Wicklow
Tel: +353 (0) 402 32253

Offering a new and extensive menu this comfortable bar is the place to go for a bite to eat or just a relaxing pint and a chat. Live music at weekends.

The Beehive Pub

The Beehive Inn
(off the N11 at wicklow town Turn,)

Coolbeg Cross
Wicklow Town
Co. Wicklow

E-mail:     info@TheBeehiveInn.
Telephone:     +353 (0)404 20416