I Found Big Luxury in a Small Adventure
By Isabel Hagel
When I heard that travel would be off the table last year, all I could think about was all the experiences I’d be missing: sunbathing on a white sandy beach, swimming in the sea, exploring new cafés, fabulous new views, and most importantly, a much-needed break from my stagnant, work-from-home routine.
But what was I thinking? A spectacular adventure can be found right outside my own door. The thing I love most about Ireland is that an entire journey can unfold within a few kilometres from the city centre. I can bypass the hustle and bustle of a busy airport and skip the discomfort of the cramped space of a long-haul flight; and instead, embark on an entire adventure just a stone’s throw away from my home. A luxury vacation is in the travel-style of the beholder; and my idea of luxury is to get away from it all.
So, after months of confinement within the same four walls in my Dublin home, I left the city behind and set out on a luxurious adventure to the rolling hills of picturesque County Wicklow, very deservedly often referred to as the Garden of Ireland.
My weekend started at the foot of Wicklow in Bray with coffee and scones in hand overlooking the sea, enjoying live music on the promenade, and relishing in the spectacular forecast: no rain in sight. My self-guided adventure took me off the beaten track, and directly into a bit of unpredicted rain! It is Ireland, after all. Rain, in any destination, is eventually inevitable, so regardless of the forecast, we Ireland experts know that it is handy to dress in layers and pack a small umbrella or light rain jacket. But Ireland gets a bad rap. It doesn’t rain as continuously as some may think, and in the event of an unexpected shower, a little preparation goes a long way in saving the day. The precipitation is rarely heavy or lengthy, and at times, the fog and clouds create a very romantic sense of mystery! On this day, the rain passed quickly and I arrived at Brittas Bay just as the glorious sun made its appearance again. As it was a summer’s day, it was warm enough for a swim and a little sunbathing before making my way to my accommodation for the night.
Our hotels in Ireland have done an incredible job of keeping guests and visitors safe during the pandemic, but I personally was still navigating my own way around how I was comfortably maneuvering through the restrictions and guidelines, so opted for a different style of accommodation – a quaint little Pod in the Wicklow Mountains.
The views along the drive to Knockananna held a bit of magic and drama to them, and I felt like I was accompanying Alice on her way to Wonderland. Passing lush, green valleys and shimmering golden fields glistening in the afternoon sunshine, these views felt refreshingly foreign and very far away from those restricting four walls of my home office that had dominated my surroundings for months. Once I arrived at my lovely little wooden Pod, I was greeted by some charming locals. A flock of chickens followed me around like bobble headed shadows, two dogs joyfully rolled around in the garden with legs flailing like beetles stuck on their backs, and the splendid views of the expansive, heather-coated Wicklow Mountains smiled all around me. The front porch was the perfect place to spend the evening watching the sunset with a glass of wine. As the sun hit the horizon, another light shower started, and it was time to tuck myself in for the night.
The next day, I awoke with excitement to explore Spinc Trail, a three-and-a-half-hour hike overlooking the spectacular Glendalough Valley. It had been on my bucket list since I moved to Dublin, and I was delighted to finally tick it off. This outing is a perfect escape for visitors to Ireland who are looking to get away from the busy city for a few hours and dust up their shoes on a scenic escapade. The trail starts with a steep climb through an abundant forest. A bit of light rain set in as I climbed, but the canopy provided the perfect shelter and a magical atmosphere. As I ambled my way through the trail, the rain had stopped and I arrived at the top to sweeping, glimmering views of the Upper Lake and the Wicklow Uplands. There is a saying in Germany that says “When Angels travel, the sun will shine.” – I guess it’s true!
This was not a beginner’s hike, but slow and steady, and totally worth it for the incredible views. Four hours had passed as if they were minutes, but when I arrived back to my car, I was exhausted from the day’s activities. I had accomplished my mission, but my adventure wasn’t ending just yet. I chose a longer route through the Wicklow Mountains National Park for my return to Dublin. The fields and valleys were in full bloom, and I marvelled wide-eyes at what was easily one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken. Passing happy herds of sheep, rich and plentiful purple heather as far as I could see, the famous Lough Tay (also known as the Guinness Lake) and Powerscourt Waterfall and then towards the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain. I only realised that I had never even left my own country as I snapped back into reality when I reached the motorway that would carry me home into Dublin city.
Not that I could ever truly forget, but my adventure reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a heavenly destination where I can find the finest luxury in even the smallest adventures.
Isabel is an Operations Executive with Custom Ireland and specializes in managing elevated experiential incentive travel programmes in Ireland. She is an award-winning essayist and recipient of the 2020 David Riddell Scholarship for young leaders in the Meetings and Incentives industry.