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Appeal to visitors to Wicklow tourism spots to observe #COVID-19 social distancing guidelines

“Wicklow Awaits” is the hashtag coined by Wicklow Tourism to let people know that many of Wicklow’s tourism assets await the return of visitors when it is safe to do so.

As many sporting and leisure activities are unavailable due to the Covid-19 Crisis, the great outdoors is coming under additional pressure.  This has led to challenges in Laragh and Glendalough in relation to poor parking, overcrowding and failure to observe HSE social distancing guidelines.

“Wicklow is blessed with many locations for outdoor activities and there is plenty of room for everyone.  There are various online resources to help visitors see beyond the ‘honey pots’ and discover some of the multitude of walking trails around the County.  We are asking all visitors to respect the HSE social distancing rules as they apply equally outdoors as they do inside,” said Mr Fred Verdier of Wicklow Tourism.

We advise people to:

*   Avoid close contact with others
*   Distance yourself at least 2 metres away from other people
*   Group sizes should be kept to a minimum – small family groups are best
*   Don’t arrange large gatherings or to meet up with others
*   Avoid busy areas and go somewhere else for your walk.

Mr Verdier added: “Remember also to be mindful when parking and respect local residents, farmers and local businesses.”

For the armchair traveller, Wicklow Tourism will be shortly launching our online “Tracks and Trails” with two new videos featuring the Tinahely area and the Bray/Kilmacanogue area, as well as online versions of some of Wicklow’s favourite trails.

Here are just some of the walks and trails featured on VisitWicklow.ie:

BLESSINGTON GREENWAY
The Blessington Greenway walk links the historic town of Blessington with the Palladian mansion at Russborough House.
Grade:  Easy
Distance: 6.5 kms
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/blessington-greenway-walk/

THE GREAT SUGARLOAF
501m height above sea level, the Sugaloaf has been a landmark visible from Dublin & beyond.
Grade: Easy to Strenuous
Distance: From 2.5km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/great-sugarloaf/

THE WICKLOW WAY
The Wicklow Way is the oldest and the most scenic long-distance linear walk in Ireland crossing the Wicklow Mountains from North to South.
Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 130km
https://visitwicklow.ie/the-wicklow-way/

DJOUCE MOUNTAIN
At a height of 725 metres above sea level, the summit of Djouce is the most accessible of the Wicklow Mountains.
Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 8 to 14km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/djouce-mountain/

VARTRY RESERVOIR TRAILS
The Vartry Reservoir at Roundwood offers a number of beautiful trails with thriving wildlife, flora, fauna and mountain views.
Grade: Easy
Distance: from 4km up to 20km
https://visitwicklow.ie/the-wicklow-way/

RAHEENLEAGH WIND FARM
This is an ideal family destination where the trails lead up to the wind turbines and offer stunning views over the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea
Grade: Moderate
Distance: From 2km to 6km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/croghan-mountain-windfarm-walks/

BALLYCUMBER LOOP TINAHELY
Part of a group of three walks overlooking the village of Tinahely, the Ballycumber Loop offers a variety of terrain and views including quiet country lanes, forests and open mountains.
Grade:  Moderate
Distance:  13km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/ballycumber-loop-tinahely/

SEEFING PASSAGE TOMB
Overlooking Kippure and the Blessington Lakes, Seefin is a very exciting 5000 years old passage grave, which is set in round earthen tombs.
Grade: Strenuous
Distance: From 2km to 6km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/seefin-passage-grave/

DEVIL’S GLEN FOREST WALKS
Walkthrough native Irish woodlands following the two-loop walks:  the Seamus Heaney and Waterfall walk.  Find unusual and interesting ‘Sculptures in Woodland’.
Grade:  Moderate
Distance:  4km to 9km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/devils-glen-waterfall-walk/

ST KEVIN’S WAY
This linear walk follows the footsteps of St Kevin through the hills of Wicklow to the monastic ruins in Glendalough.  Start from either Hollywood or Valleymount
Grade:  Difficult
Distance:  30km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/saint-kevins-way/

AVONMORE WAY
The Avonmore Way connects the village of Rathdrum to Laragh, Glendalough and the Wicklow Way.  It follows the Avonmore river along the Clara Vale up to the heights of Trooperstown.
Grade:  Challenging
Distance:  12km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/avonmore-way-trooperstown-rathdrum/

AVONDALE RIVER WALK
Take in the very best Avondale has to offer: Avonmore River, a diverse and wide range of trees and fantastic views. The route starts in the car park a quickly descends to the Avonmore River, you’ll pass ‘Lovers Leap’ along the way and follow the river as it meanders down the valley.
Grade: Moderate, marked with White markings.
Distance: 5.2km
https://visitwicklow.ie/item/avondale-river-walk/