In Wicklow County, Ireland the landscape changes from the typical green rolling hills being grazed by sheep or cows to a brown valley at the Wicklow Gap. Once a frozen glacier the light tumbles across the windy hills and the shadows of clouds are heaved up and over the surrounding summits.
When my bus driver pulled over into a muddy rest stop perched over the Wicklow Gap I have to admit I wasn’t all that impressed at first. Don’t get me wrong the view is impressive when the fog lets up. And I do love a view as much as the next blogger. But I couldn’t help but think that I’ve seen it before.
Merritt, BC, Canada Photo Credit: SouthernBC.com
I arrived during perfect conditions but I guess I am just spoiled living in Canada. The Wicklow Gap reminded me of a dust bowl small town known as Merritt, British Columbia. Actually it is where I was born and lived until I was 3, it is where my parents grew up and my grandparents still live.
Another thing I noticed is that this is not the most impressive spot to view the gap. In fact, the best spot to view it is just down the road where a picturesque ruin rests – J.M.W Turner could not have painted it better himself. Head within the Wicklow Gap to Glendalough for even better landscape photo opportunities.
Credit: GerryChaney.Wordpress.com
If you’re planning on seeing the Wicklow Gap and neighbouring Glendalough (a real show stopper) then I suggest you to take your own vehicle so that you can the best viewing area of the gap yourself or just drive through it. But if you do drive you’ll have the opportunity to spend the night at the gorgeous Glendalough Hotel located across from the Glendalough site. Who knows maybe you’ll run into one of the forest ghosts.
Have you ever been let down by a supposedly unreal view?
All the time! Sunday we went to Twin Peaks where you are supposed to see a gorgeous view of San Fran, we barely saw the hand in front of our face – fogged out!