Day 15. Back to Dublin

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Day 15. Dublin.
This was our last day and whilst not the most scenic was definitely tough. Setting off from Woodenbridge in the sun was quite good, although when we hit the shade the breeze was cool. We climbed steadily to Rathdrum and up through the town eventually arriving in Laragh where we had a drink and snack to keep up our strength for the climb ahead. Above Laragh there is a spectacular waterfall just before you leave the trees and enter the exposed part of the Wicklow Mountain. We met a nice Belgian lady who took our photograph and then teased off again. The wind was in our face and was quite strong and cold. An extra layer was required to keep warm and I wished I had put on my leg warmers. The route wound its way across the moors, up and down and side to side until after am eternity we arrived at Sally Gap cross roads. If you think you have finished climbing here. think again. The road to Dublin carries on climbing and twisting around for some while yet and then descends giving you a false sense of euphoria as you then see another nasty climb arising in front of you. At the foot of this descent is Glencree and luckily a cafe at the Armouries Museum, which was a godsend giving us some soup to warm our inner bodies. Another climb, another headwind and then a long descent into Dublin. Just as the descent started there were three men working up on a power line post and I would not have traded places as they must have been frozen stiff. Along the way in Dublin we met Bill and Margaret at a fuel station deli so we stopped for another brew and then collected Robert who was just whizzing past. We had a good meal at Whelans bar and restaurant at night and Bill was complaining about the severity of the route, until he was reminded of the 100 mile sportive he arranged this year, which made this day pale into insignificance. It is now the end of the tour of Southern Ireland and the ferry to Holyhead awaits and back to normality and the chance of rested legs. Until the next time. Thanks to the group for a great two weeks.

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Photos

Glenmacnass waterfall
Wicklow Mountain