Rathdrum Co Wicklow

Visiting Rathdrum co wicklow:

Rathdrum was originally the main town of Co Wicklow and is still well serviced by bus and train (Dublin – Rosslare route) making it ideal for backpackers and commuters.

It is a haven of natural beauty with the Avonmore River nestled in the green lined valley backed by an impressive looking church silhouetted against the sky on the step climb to the villages’ main street.

Rathdrum is mid placed between the routes to Avoca, Aughrim, Glendalough and Roundwood. There is a lovely back-road drive to devils glen and Ashford and the road ‘over the mountains ‘ leading to Enniskerry is very scenic.

Bates restaurant is proving to be a winner for that special occasion and my human swears by it – I think the heated brandy glass did it for her!

With the property market explosion in Ireland of recent years it is no surprise that there are a multitude of developments underway in the area which will be for sale as soon as the sewage system (eventually) gets put in place…

An ideal location for the nature lover Rathdrum is a lovely place to live or visit – especially if you’re a dog like me! Indeed just two weeks ago as my human and I were enjoying an evening stroll by the river we saw a stoat, two hares, a bunny rabbit and a heron being chased by a rook!!

The river walk is very popular and you can do a complete circuit by entering at the old mill – (now a ‘countrylife’store), and walking along the river (over a brook or two) until you come to what locals ‘ refer to as ‘the stick’. Now this had me confused for ages – how could you cross a river on a stick? I wondered. But indeed the stick is a footbridge leading you to the back of the train station where the new business park is now situated.

There are numerous attractions in and around Rathdrum including the very popular Avondale House and Forest Park which is owned by Coillte. Avondale House was the birthplace and home of Charles Stuart Parnell (1946-1891) one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history.

It is situated in a magnificant forest park of over 500 acres with an abundant variety of exotic trees including one of the oldest trees in Ireland. The many trails and walks here can range in duration from 1 to 5 hours!! My little paws do feel a bit tired after a long one of those walks!

Oh yes, there are also picnic areas and the wonderful ‘Kitchen Cafe’ which I love because sometimes the visiting children and grown-ups give me some nice leftovers to munch.. heh heh heh…if your very lucky you can spot badgers, stoat and otters here though so far I have only managed to chase a red squirrel up a tree..

As for the birds – well, there have been 90 different species recorded here so far!…There is also a deer pen which is a delight to young children. Parking costs €5 or alternatively you can purchase an annual parking ticket covering all coillte owned parks.

Other attractions include Greenane Museums and Maze – the Today FM team had fun here last summer with Jenny and Mairead getting lost in the maze, Kilmacurra Arboretum which supports a fragile ecosystem including colourful dragonflies and the always popular Clara Lara Adventure Park (www.claralara.com ) which I love!!

The main street itself offers more pubs then you could shake a stick at with The Cartoon Inn being one of the most well known – (from when they had an annual cartoon festival which is unfortunately a thing of the past)

The recently refurbished Jacobs Well (or just ‘the well’ as the locals say) is beautifully designed as a welcoming and comfortable bar with great food served daily in the lounge. They have recently a refurbished the lounge also and have accommodation on offer too.

The Corner House Lounge is also very comfortable with a fire and sofas to literally lounge around on – though they  don’t let me sit on them as I am after all a mucky little terrier at times!

Rathdrum also boasts a hostel - The Old Presbytery tel +353 404 46604 which is open all year and a Caravan and Camping Park called Hidden Valley which you can contact on +353 (0) 404 46080