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Pick up car, on to Wicklow

To nearby Garden of Rememberance, big Presbyterian Church (Abbey Church) and back to check out of the Gate Hotel. Number 13 bus to the Avis place and pick up car, diesel SEAT Leon, nice to drive. The Sat Nav was a bit vague so we went in a few circles before we got on our way on the scenic route through the Wicklow Mountains (narrow and winding and lots of cyclists to avoid) to Glendalough to look at the old Monastic ruins and graveyard, plenty of Byrne name there, so could be connected to my g-g-g-grandfather Byrne who was transported from the area in 1816 - but there's lots and lots of Byrnes in the area so maybe a very remote connection.

Next to Wicklow, a nice B&B in town. Walked about town and visited the Wicklow Gaol, grim little place. Then on to the Abbey grounds where an Arts Festival was in progress, with the usual stalls selling stuff and medieval play actors in costume, nice sunny afternoon and plenty of families enjoying the free music.

In the garden, it commemorates those who died in the struggle for independence from England.....



The main sculpture....



The entrance to the brewery of note......



Leaving Dublin and starting up into the Wicklow Mountains, a narrow winding and scenic road over the top on the way to Wicklow......



Plenty of cyclists out on Sunday to dodge around. Mostly bare hills, this is a rarer treed area.......



Now starting down off the mountains to the fertile valleys.....



Next to the old area of Glendalough, ruined ancient monastic settlement. Many Byrne named gravestones, my g-g-g-grandfather Byrne came from around here so is related, either closely or distantly to many here underground.....



A short walk though a forested area to the ruins and graveyard........



In amongst it.....



The 100 foot high round tower used as lookout and safety haven from Vikings etc, the door is about 11 feet above the ground to make it a bit harder for invaders.......



Next to Wicklow and our nice B&B on Church Hill Road......



Some main street shops in Wicklow.....



Inside Wicklow Gaol, a slightly distorted fisheye view to get it all in.......



Finally we visited the Art Festival, here's the crowd waiting for the music to start, in ruined Abbey grounds.....

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