Train to Backpacking

 Because we were in a 12 bed mixed dorm room in the hostel, we ended up waking up a little earlier than anticipated. Of course, the nap the day before, and the jet lag may have also played a role in things. It worked out being awake early, though, as we were able to walk through Trinity College, an area we missed the day before. So, we packed up, grabbed a continental breakfast of meats and cheeses, and headed to Trinity College in an out of the way path to the train station. 

Trinity College has some amazingly beautiful architecture. On campus, there is the Book of Kells experience, which we did not decide to see this visit. Again, this may be an option for a future visit. Still, we were able to wander the campus and found our way out the other side. On that side of campus, we found a park with a statue of Oscar Wilde, and of course I had to take photos. We then checked out the neighborhood a little as it was the art district with museums and such. 

It was then time to make a beeline for the train station so we could catch the first train on a Sunday morning down the coast to Rathdrum, where we would pick up a taxi to Glenmalure and start our hike along the Wicklow Way waymarked trail. The Wicklow Way is one of Irelands oldest long distance hiking trails, and hosts an ultramarathon each year. I figured this was one way to convince my husband to backpack with me in Ireland. We were only doing 4 days along the trail, starting in the middle and hiking back to Dublin, but I was certain it would be a great way to experience the country. 

For backpacking stories along the Wicklow Way, and later the Kerry Camino, please check out my backpacking blog at https://www.backpackermdness.blogspot.com. All backpacking related touring will be on that blog and regular touring of Ireland by car, bus, etc will be covered here. So, the next post will be our return to Dublin followed by our travel day to Killarney.