Wicklow Walks :: Yoga Glendalough and Nightime Walks:

The ever popular Terry and Hilltop Treks have some fun walks coming up again this May with a moonlight walk meeting in Enniskerry Wicklow, and another Yoga walk in Glendalough Wicklow. Both take place on Saturday may 9th and you can download their pdf below for more details.

Terry is an experienced guide and youc an be sure of a chilled out and relaxed walk in the beautiful wicklow mountains! Guided walk and Pub Lunch for country-minded singles Graiguenamanagh
Co. KilKenny May 9th.

HilltopTreks are also delighted to be teaming up with Muddy Matches again to host another guided walk, this time in Graiguenamanagh Co Kilkenny for singles.

These walks are organised with single people in mind who enjoy the great outdoors and walking. Walking is an activity that can provide an excellent, fun and informal way to meet new people.

We here at The Wicklow Way highly recommend this!! Download the pdf here: hilltop-treks-may2009

Roz and Skippy
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Wicklow Business Directory and Online Advertising

Get top of Google with the wicklow way business directory advertising options

Roz and Skippys Wicklow Recession Busting Advertising Rates on www.thewicklowway.ie | www.thewicklowway.com | www.wicklowtourism.ie

wicklow news blog…………wicklow business directory……….wicklow tourism directory

Our websites come up on PAGE 1 of GOOGLE for a wealth of wicklow terms and phrases including ( for example as of 25 april 2009 search):

• Page 1 of Google for these search terms:
• wicklow news
• places to eat wicklow
• wicklow walks
• wicklow business
• wicklow business directory
• things to do wicklow
• wicklow arts
• festivals in wicklow
• dole wicklow
• wicklow tourism
• wicklow way
• house swap wicklow

and that’s just a few..

so if you want to get your wicklow business top of google and yahoo and other search engines then why not start by simply adding your business details to our wicklow business directory here >> www.thewicklowway.com

Is your wicklow business Tourism related? Then check out our wicklow tourism directory here >>> www.wicklowtourism.ie and add yourself into this ever growing tourist information directory

If your interested in taking out a BANNER AD here on the blog or again on either of our business directories: www.thewicklowway.com and www.wicklowtourism.ie then contact us at office@thewicklowway.ie

Roz and Skippy

xxLiving Life The Wicklow Way and Fighting The Recession Full On!

Wicklow Arts Festival Launch in Tinakilly House Rathnew

So we found ourselves at the Grand Tinakilly House Hotel in Rathnew Co Wicklow for the launch of the Wicklow Arts Festival and awaited the arrival of Martin Cullen, Minister for arts, sport and tourism in Ireland.

Welcomed by the wonderful pipe band who played in the rain, we all trooped inside and found our way to the festival launch room and helped ourselves to a glass of wine or in the case of yours’ truly , a glass of water.

As I sat back and took in the surroundings I was approached by the artist Mary Duffy. Mary is holding an exhibition of her paintings at Tinakilly House on Saturday 10th may as part of the Arts Festival and some of her paintings are already hung in the reception area of the hotel.

Indeed one painting had already caught my eye earlier though I didn’t know they were by Mary at that time.

Mary then introduced me to a few others at the event including Helen Maher who did a really great job on the graphics for the festival promotional material and was intrigueingly familiar looking!!

Thanks to the two ladies who chatted away to me as I am actually quite shy in real 3D life!!

Anyway, the Minsiter got up and said a few words including how he’d much rather be chilling out in Wicklow then having to go back to the Dail tonight to work:

oh well, no rest for the wicked eh?

After which the arrestingly interesting looking group that is The Blood Red Mountain Band struck up and  did their Thang!

Great sounding music alright – I’d like to hear it outdoors at a big hostel with loads of mates!! (oh and apparently that album launch in whelans was last year SO DON’T GO EXPECTING TO SEE THEM- so the guys are gonna update their website real soon ).

Check out their music here >>> wait a few mins and the song will start automatically – nice, ( I like ‘nice one Rosalita’, for obvious reasons!! and skippy likes the whistling at the end ha ha )

However, they do play the  kind of music that will have you dancing no matter what before the night is through. Alas I could not wait to see if this happened as I had to get home for Skippy who was staaaarving!!! If you don’t believe me wait till you see the video – he’s SHOUTING at me!! I swear!

Anyway, well done to all those who have put so much effort into the event and you – the general public, can do your bit to support the arts and all that makes life itself that bit more beautiful, thought provoking and interesting, by going along to any of the many and varied events that are taking place over this bank holiday weekend and indeed the following weekend too.

For more information see the wicklow arts festival website on www.wicklowartsfestival.ie

see you there.

Roz and Skippythedog.
Living life The Wicklow Way…
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The wicklow arts festival gets underway

The wicklow arts festival gets underway tomorrow with the launch being held in Tinakilly House in Rathnew Co Wicklow.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen will be officially launching the festival and entertainment is provided by The Blood Red Mountain Band who incidentally are also launching their EP in Whelans Dublin on Sat 234 may…

Then its all systems go from Saturday with the Art on the railings, childrens writing workshop with David Donohue, The Wicklow Rocks Showcase in the Sailing Club ( should be fun) and Mr Kevin McAleers comedy show of course!

For more information see the wicklow arts festival website on www.wicklowartsfestival.ie

Daniel Day Lewis got the ‘Freedom of Wicklow’

Seemingly the really-rather-gorgeous-in-a-manly-way Daniel Day Lewis got the ‘Freedom of Wicklow’ today,and we here at the wicklow way would like to congratulate him and ensure that he knows he is free to drop us a line anytime…

Roz and Skippythedog

Living life The Wicklow Way…

Wicklow Business Directory

Get your wicklow business online now  on www.thewicklowway.com

p.s. I burnt my dinner making this!!

p.p.s I WILL learn to look straight at the camera and to stop fluttering my eyelashes lol!!

Wicklow Arts Festival Begins next Weekend

The annual wicklow arts festival takes place over 2 weekends ( and  a few days in between too) starting next weekend 2 may 2009. There is something for everyone with music, arts, kids stuff, comedy and more. View their website for details now >> www.wicklowartsfestival.ie

Dont Forget that Kevin Mc Aleer is playing in The Grand Hotel Wicklow on Saturday 2 May 9pm so you need to get your tickets now!!.

Tickets cost  €20 show or €50 dinner & show. For dinner reservations ring the Grand Hotel on 0404-67337. Please note that this is an over 16’s event

For more information see the wicklow arts festival website on www.wicklowartsfestival.ie

Wicklow Photos from The Wicklow Way Team

At last we have new photos of wicklow up in our gallery. visit our photo page to view them here >>>

For older images including those of the Glendalough Muddy matches walk, Hilltop treks wicklow way walks and much more visit our flickr profile where we will be uploading these over the next while – literally!!

Otherways to keep up to date with us are through you tube, twitter and bebo of course!

Oh,and check out our old friend Mark Deans music here: >>

We particuarly like ‘Reckless’…ah so mellow

Wicklow Walks – Devils Glen Ashford Co Wicklow

Today ( Sat 25 April 2009) Myself and Skippy set off for an optomistic ( It won’t rain it won’t) walk in the Devils Glen Woods in Ashford Co Wicklow – Home to the Sculpture in Woodland Project.

Having been there before we knew to expect to see some really gorgeous bluebells  and we were not disappointed! Firstly no rain and secondly the mirage of bluebell carpet as seen in the photo gallery for this page ( click here >>) was truly breathtaking. The gorgeous smells of the bluebells was heavenly.

We met a good few people enjoying this family friendly wicklow walk- There was a (seriously) yummy mummy with a gaggle of kids and they all seemed to be having a great time, plus some older folks enjoying a picnic at the waterfall. A very adventurous and excitied young springer (dog) came hounding Skippy but he then shot off to muckier lands – much to skippys relief!

We took a load of photos which are now up on the photo gallery page ( note that we had to make space by deletign some older pics but these will be available on our flickr account very soon ) so you can have  alook and get an idea of what the walk is like. It took us approx 45 mins tho we did push ourselves a bit -  LOL – you can walk for 2 hours if you want to (slowly) and we had a throughly enjoyable afternoon slochign thru the slightly mucky ground.

Yes by the way, usually it is fairly muddy here so wear your wellies or old trainers!! See you around,

Click here for photos >>>

p.s. if someone lost their hat its still there!!

Roz and Skippythe (now tired and mucky) dog
Living Life The Wicklow Way…

Kevin Mc Aleer at Wicklow Arts Festival

Tickets are selling fast for well known comedian Kevin Mc Aleer who is playing as part of the upcoming Wicklow Arts Festival In May.

Kevin Mc Aleer is widely regarded as one of the most influential comedians on the alternative comedy circuit. His introduction via Nighthawks made him a household name and he has been doing successful shows ever since.

So Don’t miss your chance for a great night out whilst supporting your local arts and get your tickets today.

Kevin Mc Aleer is playing in The Grand Hotel Wicklow on Saturday 2 May 9pm.

Tickets cost  €20 show or €50 dinner & show. For dinner reservations ring the Grand Hotel on 0404-67337. Please note that this is an over 16’s event

For more information see the wicklow arts festival website on www.wicklowartsfestival.ie

wicklow news for dance lovers

Just Dance ( no not lady gaga) in Bray Co Wicklow have lots of news for their wicklow dancers. Firstly they have some new venues, second they are offering a special 5th class free promotion and thirdly.. well let’s let them say it for us eh:

DO YOU SECRETLY SALSA ACROSS YOUR LIVING ROOM FLOOR? ….OR LONG TO JIVE AT PARTIES? …..OR MAYBE YOU CAN’T WAIT TO BUST A MOVE TO ALL THOSE LATEST TUNES?

….WELL YOU’RE IN LUCK

WHETHER YOU WANT TO KICK UP YOUR HEELS TO HIP HOP, BALLROOM OR SALSA/LATINO, WE HOPE TO HAVE YOU ALL DANCING YOUR WAY THROUGH 2009 BY INTRODUCING OUR JUST DANCE LOYALTY CARD

DO ANY 4 JUST DANCE COURSES IN 2009 AND GET YOUR 5TH FREE

DANCE YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE AT ANY OF OUR HIP HOP, BALLROOM OR SALSA/LATINO DANCE COURSES

PLEASE FIND OUR APRIL/MAY SCHEDULE ATTACHED

SOME OF OUR NEW VENUES INCLUDE CLONTARF, ASHBOURNE AND KILLINEY.

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF OUR COURSES SIMPLY ARRIVE 20 MINUTES EARLY ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF YOUR CHOSEN COURSE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US HERE ON 01 8273040.

FOR FUN….FOR FITNESS….FOR LIFE….JUST DANCE

Visit them here >>>

wicklow news for gardening lovers

If your thinking of starting an allotment for your local wicklow community there are 2 sites that you simply must check out- one we have mentioned before which is www.irishallotments.net where you can hook up with like-minded people and maybe start one in your area?

If you are indeed planning to start one you will find tips on grants that are available for voluntary and communtiy wicklow based groups ( to cover shed / rabbit fencing / etc etc) and also one member recomends the following link for public insurance for voluntary grouops such as this.

Its a beautiful day – Live life the wicklow way!

Also Dieter Sommer could you contact me again with your email address as I have lost it… thanks,

Roz and Skippy the dog!

Wicklow Arts Festival May Bank Holiday and More

The wonderful Wicklow Arts Festival is gearing up for another year and this year they have some really interesting activities taking place that all the family will enjoy.

Just a few of the highlights include:

• Comedy with Kevin McAleer,
• Wassa Wassa Drumming,
• Children’s writing with David Donohue,
• Puppet Show,
• A selectionof workshops inc: Fabulous Fabric Jewellery,Create with Clay,Tie-Dye
• Fabulous music from Sabrina Piggott
• dont forget the Wicklow Rocks Showcase!

Keep an eye out here on www.thewicklowway.ie for updates on events or visit their website at www.wicklowartsfestival.ie or better still ww-arts-festival-day-by-day-1and print it off at home!

See you around at the festival fun!!

roz and Skippythedog

The Muddy matches girls are at it again this May in Carlow

After the success of their valentines walk in Glendalough Wicklow, the muddy matches team have organised another fun get-together for country minded single folk over here in Ireland. This time the location is Borris Co Carlow – only a stones throw from Wicklow. They plan 2 events (you can choose one or both) one being a walk and also a  Speeddating event.

The beautiful Blackstairs mountains are the backdrop for this event and for details you should check out the girls site: www.muddymatches.co.uk

If you have any questions about either of the events, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, either by calling the office on +44 (0)1933 311500 or emailing them at customercare@muddymatches.co.uk.

Hurry or you’ll be disappointed!

Roz and Skippythedog

Living Life The Wicklow Way and Lovin It!

Music and Fun at Greystones This Weekend,

Ramona, Alan and crew have been busy bees as usual, organising fun stuff for all us Wicklow folks who like to party and this weekend is no exception!

Check out this update from Ramona below:

Tonight -Friday

we are so lucky to have headlining our No Covers Friday with the brilliant Alphastates, i cannot stress how good this band are, check them out on myspace, they are making big noises in the current International music scene and they’re current single’champagne glass’ is a big hit on the dance floors of New York. supporting them are localish bands Pushkin, the Deadly Nightshades and Equipt. As usual we are here to promote new original music and offer this gig free of charge till 9.30 10euro after with The Jukes at midnight following taking us to the early hours.
Saturday is the return of Disco Stew but before he gets us in the groove Greystones Unplugged showcases some of the great singer songwriter talent around with the likes of Rory Quinn, Lisa O’Brien, Justin Manville and more.

If you want to enjoy an evening of acoustic delight don’t miss this and if you are a singer songwriter contact us immediately and we’ll try get you on the bill. Starts at 8.30 5euro in till ten 10euro after.

If your not already signed up to their newsletter than do so now at www.greystonestheatre.com

Happy Weekend from

Roz and Skippy the dog
Living Life The Wicklow Way

Glencree centre and Taxis from Bray to Enniskerry

A recent request for the following information came in to us here at the wicklow way and we thought we may as well post the info up for anyone else looking to get from Enniskerry to Glencree who had no car.

The 44 bus goes from Dublin to Enniskerry alright and I  know years ago there was another single decker bus – 88? or something that went a bit further up toward Glencree. but if your looking to get all the way to the Glencree Centre , for example yopu may need to hire a cab. So here are some useful details.

And how do I know about the single decker bus – ahh now, my first boyfriend ever lived in Glencree ha ha ha,

good times!

MT Cabs – taxi comany based in bray that serves Enniskerry and surrounding areas and you can book in advance – here is the link:
http://www.mtcabs.ie/form.php
their tel is:
00353 (0)1 – 286 3633
00353 (0)1 – 204 0444
if you would prefer to ask them what the situation is for taxis that far…

I also suggest asking the folks at the centre itself as this is possibly a request that they get a lot ?.. their details are as follows of course:
Eileen Kennedy, Manager (www.glencree.ie) by email Eileen.kennedy@glencree.ie or telephone 01 2829711 – mobile 087 832 9235.

hope it helps!

roz and skippy the dog

Brockagh Bealtaine Festival – Glendalough, Wicklow May 2009

Events at a glance

• Sunday 3rd May            Car Boot Sale (special rates for active retirement)
• Tuesday 5th May          Us Then, Us Now – Swapping stories & ‘old time  lunch’ with children from St.   Kevin’s National School
• Thursday 7th May       “Mrs Pettigrew lives for a Day” – Conary Film Club, Avoca – 8pm Bus leaves Laragh 7.30 pm
• Saturday 9th May       Yoga Walk – Yoga Session followed by walk – discount to over 55s  11am
• Saturday 9th May         Cecilia Ahearn’s Mrs Whippy- with Mary McEvoy 8pm
• Sunday 10th May         Country Market & Craft Fair -11.30am -4pm
• Tuesday 12th May       “Opening Doors with Technology” – Mobile Phone, Camera, Email, Internet 11am – with Avondale Community College.
• Monday 18th May         Treasure Hunt for the Clueless (Wicklow Mountains National Park) – 11am – 2pm
• Sunday 24th May         Afternoon Tea Dance & Variety Acts – 3-6pm
• Saturday 30th May      Festival Dance with Tommy Carroll 9.30pm
• For further details visit their website here: www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie

Heritage Council New Website Launches

The Heritage Council have just launched their new website to keep us all updated on grants and events happening in Wicklow and all over Ireland to keep us (the public) up to date. If your planning a local heritage event and would like it included in this years events list then now is the time to contact them.

If your unsure of what they do read this excerpt from their website:

The Heritage Council has a particular responsibility to promote interest, education, knowledge and pride in the national heritage. In its current strategic plan, the Heritage Council has set out its core principles and goals. Its concern with the conservation and care of the nation’s heritage, and how this can best be done at a time of great change  while building public support for its mission, is at the heart of that plan.

The Heritage Council’s work is underpinned by three core principles:

• Partnership and Co-operation
• Sustainability and Quality of Life
• Equality, Social Inclusion and Accessibility

For more information go to www.heritagecouncil.ie

Why not subscribe their newsletter and keep up to date that way? Just click here >>>

Whether your looking for places to stay in Wicklow that are Pet friendly, Family friendly, romantic, secluded, close to amenities, etc you can find all accommodation listings for Wicklow in our directory www.wicklowtourism.ie , Just click here >>>

And if you have a bed and breakfast, chalet, self catering cottage, campsite or hotel that is not yet listed on the directory well…what are you waiting for? Just add it in for *free – (*basic listings are free whilst premium listings cost only €12.99 payable online using PayPal) and start beating this recession online with The Wicklow Way.ie

Roz and Skippythedog

Wicklow Volunteers can find information here

It’s the time of year when students are thinking of going abroad and many consider working for an organisation on a voluntary basis in return for a unique experience and the pleasure of giving to society.

Indeed with the current economic climate it may be something that many more are interested in. maybe you can rent your house while your away and live that dream you have been thinking of?

Anyway, if you are considering working on a voluntary basis there are many organisations out there looking for your help.

Below are listed 4 websites that we found particularly useful:

1. www.voluntaryworker.co.uk Whilst a Uk website this does give great tips on what to expect, what you can offer and how to go about looking for the right programme to suit you…
2. www2.wit.ie Waterford Insititute of technology gives many links to volunteering organisations aimed at students on this page (click link above)….very useful
3. www.vsi.ie Volunteering programmes aimed specifically at teens – young adults.
4. www.ammado.com Online community for people ‘who care’, Ammando is Irish based and has grown since its launch just a few years ago. Indeed yours truly is a member and the site has exploded in recent times. If your interested in getting support for a particular cause then join up and get netting!

There are loads of opportunities out there for those interested and indeed it doesn’t have to be a big trip away- you can always do something simple like volunteer to walk the dogs at your local animal shelter for example! If you would like to do so then why not offer your services to Sharpeshill animal sanctuary:

Sharpeshill Animal Sanctuary, Ballygannon, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
Tel: 0404-44783
Opening hours: 1pm-4pm seven days
Web: www.wicklowspca.org

whatever your choice don’t be afraid to live your life the way YOU want!

Roz and Skippythedog
Living Life The Wicklow Way