3

Castleruddery Stone CircleCastleruddery gets its name from its original Irish name Caislean a Ridine meaning the castle of the Knight. The townland contains the remains of an impressive Bronze Age (2500-500BC) stone circle and a defensive motte built in the late 12th century after the Norman invasion of Ireland.

4

BaltinglassBaltinglass Heritage Town and the surrounding area is a rich archaeological landscape with several historical sites including the 12th century Cistercian Abbey on the banks of the River Slaney, the fine 19th century architectural streetscape in the town, the old courthouse and Sam MacAllister statue. An interpretation board outside the library is a great source of local information and history.

5

Kilranelagh GraveyardKilranelagh Graveyard includes the cemetery, the foundations of a church, St Brigid’s holy well, a couple of small stone crosses, several interesting grave slabs, including the grave of Sam MacAllister, and a pair of unusual upright stones known as the Gates of Heaven. Nearby, to the north lie Brusselstown and Spinian’s Hillforts complex, the largest in Ireland.

6

Dwyer MacAllister Cottage Dwyer-McAlllister cottage nestles in the shade of Kaedeen Mountain at the top of a grassy lane off the Donard to Rathdangan road in Co. Wicklow. This thatched cottage is associated with the 1798 Rebellion hero Michael O’Dwyer and is filled with furniture and memorabilia from that era.

7

Knickeen Ogham StoneKnickeen Ogham Stone, with its early Christian inscription stands in a forest clearing near the Glen of Imaal, a popular walking area for the Wicklow Mountains. Ogham is the earliest form of writing in Ireland dating back to the early Christian era. This Ogham Stone has been dated to between 400-550AD and is 2.3m in height, making it a quite imposing monolith.

8

DonardJust north of the Glen of Imaal is the historic village of Donard, named from the Irish Dún Ard which means High Fort. As well as strong associations with the 1798 rebellion, Donard has its origins as a monastic settlement and has ruins of a medieval church along with ancient grave slabs in the cemetery and an Ogham Stone in centre of the village. Lugnaquilla at 925m, can be accessed near the village.

9

The Piper’s StonesLocated in the townland of Athgreany Pipers Stones is a large Bronze Age stone circle. Originally containing up to 29 stones in a circle, it had a large outlier stone. This stone represents the piper who played for the unfortunate dancers who are now petrified in stone for violating the holy day.

The West Wicklow Heritage Trail project was initiated by the Baltinglass Municipal District office of Wicklow County Council in order to promote tourism in the area.

Production was co-ordinated by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council in association with ActiveMe Tourism and Heritage Services and the local community.

Special thanks to Donal McDonnell, Paul Gorry and Chris Lawlor for their valuable contributions to the content.

1

HollywoodThe village of Hollywood has a strong association with St. Kevin of Glendalough, whose pilgrims have passed through this village and surrounds over many centuries. The earliest mention of a church at Hollywood is found in a 13th century charter. Close to the town are two caves known as St Kevin’s Cave and St Kevin’s Bed.

2

DunlavinFounded in the 1650s by the Bulkely family from Cheshire, the town of Dunlavin has an exceptional high quality Palladian style market house in its centre which was later used as a courthouse and more recently as a library. Dunlavin has associations with the 1798 rising when thirty five men were executed in the Fair Green.

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