County Wicklow · Fall-ing for Ireland · Ireland September 2013 · Landscapes

The Heather of Wicklow Mountains

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Sally Gap Pass, Wicklow Mountains

I was back in Ireland and with me, a new ‘side kick’  … Tammy.  Her request was to begin the trip in the Wicklow Mountains. She had read about Irish frogs and wanted to find a few.  Initially, she also wanted to bring a few home.  Good news for all!  For Tammy – County Wicklow is reported to have the second highest population of frogs.  For the frogs – they are a protected species, so they are not going anywhere.  And for me – we are flying home on different dates … no worries with customs!

Unfortunately, there were no frogs to be found. What we did find was heather covered mountains.  I never associated heather with Ireland.  It was a perfect background color for the start of fall as the mountains all had a purple hue to them.

Wicklow Heather
Wicklow Heather

We ended up on Sally Gap Pass.  The best way to describe this to those thinking about visiting … it is the middle road across the mountains (R759).  I would question the designation of a ‘Regional’ road, because it really looked like a ‘Local’ road to me!  It had been nine months since I had driven in Ireland and I was quickly regaining my skill set.  It did require a few u-turns, pulling over to check the map and a few missed roads.

I also discovered that Tammy loves water, especially waterfalls.  So, as I focused on keeping the car on the road (and sneaking a peak at the scenery), I would hear … water!  It meant that I needed to rethink the concept of parking and become okay with ‘parking’ mostly on the road.  I admit, it makes me nervous.  I am okay with another Irish driver, but other tourists….  I have not lost a side mirror yet!

Wicklow Heather & Waterfall
Wicklow Heather & Waterfall

The landscape was breathtaking.  I had been on the Wicklow Gap Pass before, but this landscape seemed bigger … bolder.  Colors were obviously changing as golds began to emerge.  We even found some waterfalls along the way!  It was a cloudy day with rain making its presence known every couple of hours.  But, it didn’t take away from the beauty of it all!