Wicklow to Arklow

24 May 2022

Finally got back to this after too many years of laziness and lockdown.

Off to a bad start when the zip on my pocket got stuck, with my bank card and train ticket inside. Nothing would free it, so had to spend about an hour cutting a hole into the pocket with my car key.

Two early morning trains from Belfast and I’m back at Wicklow station.

 

I’d thought about following the coast and running along the beach at Brittas Bay but the connecting roads looked dangerous on the map.  Decided to follow the old inland road which started with about two uphill miles, it’s always best to climb early in the day.

This road is now replaced by the M11 and there was little traffic and unfortunately little to see along its 17 miles.  I passed a few abandoned pubs, the national garden centre and one other runner.  The hills along the road didn’t help my foot injury, running pace slowed a bit and the last few miles into Arklow were a struggle, especially as time was getting short to catch the only afternoon train from Rosslare.  

Things got more interesting on the approach to Arklow.  This was the first sign of the town’s maritime heritage - Gipsy Moth IV was built here. Arklow is also famous for being the home of Parnell, Ronnie Delaney and Van Morrison’s song The Streets of Arklow.

I finally crossed over the bridge and into the town.

 

That left about 10 minutes to hobble the uphill mile to the station, I just made it.

The journey home passes through the beautiful Vale of Avoca - that’s a place to revisit one day.