There are very few places left in the world whereyou can completely escape civilisation. However, the village of Shillelaghin southwest County Wicklow is undoubtedly the ultimate retreat from all theeveryday stresses and strains. With fewer than 400 inhabitants, Shillelagh islocated on the Wicklow Way in Ireland’s most unspoiled landscape.
Whether you want a quiet getaway with a loved oneor simply want escape from it all, take a detour into nature and enjoy theincomparable welcome offered by the villagers of Shillelagh.Situated on one of the country’s most exquisite and picturesque walking routes,you will find yourself amidst a determinedly different pace of life, greeted bythe most cordial hospitality and surrounded by an almost unnaturally beautifulcountryside.
History of Shillelagh
Shillelagh was foundedas a part of the 17th century Fitzwilliam estate. The nearbyCoollattin House, an understated but grand manor, was the Fitzwilliam home. Thevillage’s humble beginnings, in the overbearing shadow of the nobility, survivetoday in its name and namesake. The word shillelagh describes a long type of walkingstick common to this area of Ireland. The town is now known for producing theseshillelagh sticks as popular souvenirs.
Tomnafinnoge Oak Wood
Ifyou love to explore untouched wilderness, pay a visit to the nearbyTomnafinnoge Oak Wood – the only remaining remnant of a huge oak forest that oncegrew here. Most of the forest was cut down in the 16th and 17th centuries toroof such buildings as London’s Westminster Hall. The surviving trees now makefor a lovely riverside walk and the area is a stronghold for the Great SpottedWoodpecker, which has recently re-inhabited the area.
Coollattin House in Shillelagh
A trip to Coollattin House is mostcertainly in order. Here you can behold the stately home of the Fitzwilliamfamily, one of the oldest families in the British Isles with a history datingback to Edward the Confessor. Although their primary home was in Yorkshire, thevast but modest early 18th century house in this foliage-filled areaCountyWicklow is nonetheless an impressive sight to behold.
Shillelagh’s Coollattin Golf Course
At CoollattinGolf Club, you can enjoy views of the Shillelaghcountryside from the fairways. Like the village, Coollattin GolfCourse owes its existence to the Fitzwilliam family, for it wasthe 7th Earl Fitzwilliam who developed the course in 1922 to caterto his favourite hobby. Set among ancient rhododendron bushes and azaleas, thiscourse is one of Ireland’s most remote and most picturesque.Visit Shillelagh’s Aghowle Church
For a real sense of the region’s ancientroots why not pay a visit to the nearby Aghowle Church, which was constructedin the 12th century? Though largely in ruin, the remaining westernwalls of the church are nestled in nearby woodland, emerging from the trees asthough they’ve lost their way in time. Atmospheric and even elegiac, Aghowle’sChurch is definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy Shillelagh
For the history and natureenthusiast, the tiny village of Shillelagh is atrue dream come true. For those who crave Ireland at its remotest, it’s aparadise on earth.
Book your trip to this quiet retreattoday and get away from it all with Expedia.
