Grabbing some R&R in Wicklow

After experiencing so much in such a short period time, we (me especially) were in need of a little break. Instead of galavanting all over Ireland, as was our original plan, we decided to spend the next few days resting and enjoying beautiful scenery in a small seaside Irish town nestled among the mountains. This was a really great decision. Our first day was full of adventures and after that we had a couple of days to just do nothing. We didn't even feel like we were missing out on anything as the weather was cold, rainy, and all around miserable. Our hosts were an absolutely lovely Irish couple who were very kind and accommodating.

Below are a few pictures from our day of adventures which consisted of hitch hiking to a national park, taking a 9km (5.6 mile) hike up a 380m (1247 ft) mountain, and then listening to traditional Irish music in a local pub.

The hike was so breathtaking (and not just because we were so high up!). We walked alongside waterfalls, passed through ruins of ancient towns, felt dwarfed by towering cliffs, and appreciated the incredible views of the hills and lakes below us. Everything was so green! We had a few run-ins with some feral mountain goats and spray-painted sheep, but they mostly just ate grass and stared at us (exciting nonetheless!).

At the pub we befriended a couple, the man originally from Chicago, the woman originally from New York, both living in LA. After an evening of conversing we realized they were staying in the only other room on our floor at the hostel. What'd ya know!

The musicians were a group of 12 people of all different ages (from young adults to gray-haired folk) sitting on small stools around a long table. The music was so good I don't really even know how to describe it. It felt like a combination of bluegrass and jazz with all sorts of interesting accordion-like, whistle-like, and bagpipe-like sounds mixed in. Highly, highly enjoyable!

Ireland is a magical place and I wish I could spend much more time here. I'm sure I'll be back someday!