I fly out to Ireland this Friday the 13th.

I will be backpacking on the Wicklow Way south from Dublin to Knockree. Detour to Enniskerry, then back up to Dublin.

I can't wait to see:

New bird species! (I am an avid birder)
Giant Sequoias in Enniskerry!
The Wicklow Mountains

:D

I'm jealous! Enjoy...and I look forward to a posted story upon your return.

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. Wonderful!! Enjoy!

Can i come? hahah

How did you learn about this part of the world?
How is it like or unlike the AT..hills,weather,shelters,cost??
I may do that some day.
Please give us a report later.

Have a great time.

Sandalwood

Hm, well, I came to the planning of this trip just out of a long desire to visit Europe. Part of my heritage is Irish (McCarthy), so I felt somewhat drawn to visiting that country. To me there's something very pleasing about the idea that my great great great grandfather immigrated to America from Ireland in the mid 1800's, and now, in 2009, one of his descendants is going back to visit his country. Very circular. :)

The Wicklow Way has a nice website - that is how I learned of it - check it out! http://www.wicklowway.com

Coming off the trail for pints of Guinness on St. Patty's day in Ireland! What could be nicer?

The detour to the gardens at Enisskerry will be well worth it.|
There is a cafeteria at the Dublin Airport (easy to find, all the restaurants and the bar are in one location) that is worth checking out, even if you are not hungry. A vast array of Irish food can be viewed along with the names of the various dishs. It will make it easyier for you when you are visiting pubs. The bar where you will get your first Guinness is right next to it. If you get there in the early morning, don't worry, as long as you have a ticket showing you just arrived you'll get served.
One more thing, you can get an all day bus pass into center of Dublin for about $10. They leave and return about every 15 or 20 minutes all day long. The drivers and staff are super friendly. Just let them know where you want to end up and they will help you out.
Have a ball.

I am thinking about a trip to Ireland next summer. Look forward to hearing about your trip. Have Fun

You may want to take some reflective tape with you for your pack. Some areas in Europe require it on your clothing for walking on roads at nite. Not sure if the places you will be in Ireland has that law yet or not. In anycase, many of the roads there are narrow and without shoulders.

Haaaaaaaa the old Sod! Say hello to my relatives in Mallow, Ireland (County Cork).

Have a blast and take warm stuff.

Just returned from Mexico & Belize; now, Ireland is the next stop. I hiked the Dingle Way 2 years ago and this year in April, we have our sights set on Donegal in the far northwest. Reportedly it features the highest cliffs dropping into the sea in all of Europe.

Enjoy the Guinness and hope you get to see and hear some live traditional music.

Just returned from Mexico & Belize; now, Ireland is the next stop. I hiked the Dingle Way 2 years ago and this year in April, we have our sights set on Donegal in the far northwest. Reportedly it features the highest cliffs dropping into the sea in all of Europe.

Enjoy the Guinness and hope you get to see and hear some live traditional music.

I was just looking at your pictures - very nice! My friend (pastor at my church) took his family last year and came back with hundreds of pictures. They aren't hikers, though. Scotland is where I'd most like to hike. The mountains, I hear, are only in the three thousand foot range, but the weather can be as nasty as the Whites in New Hampshire.