Wicklow National Park & Glendalough

County Wicklow, situated in the province of Leinster, is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Also known as the Garden County, it has some of the most beautiful natural habitats in the world. Of the many regions in Ireland that favor backpackers, this is definitely one of the best due to its vast trails and beautiful landscapes. Hill climbing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and fishing are just a few exciting activities you can spend time on. The Wicklow Mountains form the largest unbroken uplands in Ireland. They boast of one of the oldest marked walking trails for long distance hikes, known as the Wicklow way. The Wicklow National Park is situated within the mountainous region.

Wicklow National Park

As one of the six prized national parks in Ireland, the Wicklow National Park is maintained impeccably. The protected region has provisions that allow you to go rock climbing, hiking, fishing and many more activities. This area offers both experienced and amateur hikers great options for the activity. The area is great to relax in after a few hours of backpacking through the park with many spots where you can settle down to enjoy a small picnic.

Some of the habitats that you will come across when you explore the national park are – expansive grasslands, blanket bog, heath, deciduous woods and rocky regions. The Whooper Swan and Peregrine Falcon are two endangered species of fauna that you will encounter there. If you plan on hiking through the national park and its surrounding regions for a few days, consider camping in the wilderness. The park has a few areas that are suitable for wild camping, and you can make the most of these during your trip backpacking in Ireland.

The national park has an extensive range of events that it organizes during different times of the year. One of the best aspects about this is that these events are free. To enter them, you will have to book well in advance. Some of the events are Family Fun Days, Rut Watch, Tree ID Walk, National Trails Day and Wild Plants of Benefit to Butterflies and Bees. They also have two types of Archaeology Walks – one that takes you through a guided tour of digs and excavations and another that takes you through the Upper Lake.

Glendalough

Glendalough, also known as the valley of the two lakes, has a rich history, breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Little wonder then, that it is one of the places in Ireland that is visited the most. This settlement is nestled within the Wicklow National Park. It has several attractions that draw visitors to it all through the year. Some of the most popular attractions are the parks and gardens, waterfalls, open farms, museums and retreat centres. The valley hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. There are plenty of ecclesiastical sites in this region. The landscape in Glendalough allows you to make the most of the cycling trails that have been provided. Angling is another activity that you can indulge in when you go to Glendalough. Aughrim, Avoca and Avonmore are three rivers where you can go game fishing.

Those serious about backpacking through Ireland and its regions like the Wicklow National Park should bear in mind a few key points. Carry warm clothing, as it gets windier and colder as you climb higher up the mountains. There could be an approximate drop of one degree in temperature for each 100 meter you cover vertically.