Into the East
By
This is the view of the most easterly point of land in the Republic of Ireland. The Wicklow Head Lighthouse (no longer manned) clings precariously to the cliff face just above the strong swirling currents of the Irish sea. I took a walk out there last Saturday with my sister. It was literally years since I’d been out that way and I had forgotten what a wonderful location it is. I returned again yesterday equipped with a new camera to take some stills and video.
The walk to the headland begins at a red gate just south of Wicklow Town on the road to the Silver Strand caravan park. The first 1/2 mile or so of the pathway skirts farmland until you veer off towards the Old Wicklow Head Lighthouse. This 95 foot octagonal structure was built in 1781 and still functions as a landmark for sailors.
The Irish Landmark Trust took over the lighthouse in 1996 and conserved it. I functions as rented accommodation and is in constant demand for people who want a really unusual place to stay on holiday.
The pathway to the most easterly point of land skirts around the Old Lighthouse and follows an undulating, winding course through the windswept landscape until there is, literally, no more land. At the end of the walk, the only sounds you will hear are the whistling wind, crashing waves and the mournful cry of seagulls high overhead.
A work colleague recently asked me for some suggestions about places to visit in Wicklow. She is from Brazil and is an enthusiastic explorer of the sights Ireland has to offer. She has seen more in her relatively short time in Ireland than many Irish people. It’s always the case though isn’t it? We often don’t appreciate what we have right on our doorstep.
Whilst explaining all about the lighthouse and where it was located, I took out a piece of paper to draw a little map for her. How silly of me. As I was reminded by her, all that anyone needs to do now to get directions anywhere on the planet is to type in the name on Google Earth. The blend of local recommendations and technology really is opening up the world for anyone that wants to travel and explore.
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3 Comments
September 16th, 2009 at 5:55 am
AJ, I like your voice and your lilt. And, naturally, the lighthouse. Though wonder whether, with a combined slight tendency to both claustrophobia and fear of height, I might not wake a little alarmed when staying in the place. Only one way to find out.
U
September 20th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I’ve always wanted to get at that lighthouse but could never find the entrance to the walkway… red gate, got it, thanks!!
Apparently they rent out the tower to folks for parties, or at least they used to. Could you imagine how great the accoustics would be in there?
September 20th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
@Ursula It’s not as claustrophobic as you might think. The height might not suit if you don’t like it though.
@K8 – It’s not too far beyond the Yachtsman’s point houses on the right. Gate is normally open. Ignore all the private road signs. Tower is still rented out – weekends and weeklong stays – don’t think they do short term. Acoustics wise – hard to know – echoey maybe?