A trek along the Wicklow Way, the first long distance walking trail in Ireland.
The Wicklow Way is the first of a number of long-distance footpaths being established in the Republic of Ireland. Its first stage is a 24-mile route from Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, crossing the eastern flanks of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains to the end-point at Luggala in County Wicklow.
A key figure in the development of the Wicklow Way is JB Malone (John Bernard Malone), former presenter of the 'Mountain and Meadows' television series and field officer with the Long Distance Walking Routes Committee. Over the course of two days, he leads reporter Conor McAnally along the Wicklow Way.
On the first day, their route heads south from Marlay Park, over the Two Rock and Three Rock mountains, trails down into Glencullen, into Glencree and onto Knockcree Hostel, where they spend their first night. On the second day, they walk from Glencree around the east shoulder of Djouce and down to Luggala, where stage one ends.
Having left Marlay Park, Conor McAnally and JB Malone stop to take in the viewp at Kilmashogue Wood. The ruin of a hunting lodge built in 1725 by William 'Speaker’ Conolly can be seen at the top of Montpelier Hill. After Conolly’s death, the lodge was sold and is believed to have been a meeting place for the Irish Hellfire Club, where legend has it, the Devil once appeared. JB Malone debunks this tale but it is alleged the Devil did appear at William Conolly’s country house, Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare.
JB Malone and Conor McAnally visit the three rocks at the top of Three Rock Mountain. Once, people believed they were man made druidic altars, but JB Malone confirms,
They are just natural granite outcrops.
Beyond Three Rock Mountain is Two Rock Mountain, the summit of which is crowned with a large cairn believed to cover a Neolithic passage tomb, locally known as the Fairy Castle.
JB Malone and Conor McAnally cross Tibradden Mountain before making a descent into Glencullen.
If you're still fit, a slight diversion worth making is up to O'Connell's Rock.
This boulder bears an inscription with the date 23rd July 1823. According to JB Malone, it allegedly marks the spot where Daniel O'Connell held a meeting with politician Richard Lalor Sheil.
Back on their route, the next challenge for JB Malone and Conor McAnally is to cross Glencullen Mountain.
The episode of 'Insight' was broadcast on 18 November 1980. The reporter is Conor McAnally.
