Day 3: Shielstown to Glenmalure
Distance: 20.5 km / 12.8 miles, Ascent: 700 m / 2100 ft/ Descent: 840 m / 2520 ft.
Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours.
Saturday, May 18 we hiked about 21 km with more elevation change than day 1. We hiked through several foresting sections but luckily didn’t have to deal with any re-routes. At one point we hiked for a whole kilometre in silence to appreciate the full sensory experience. We can be a very noisy bunch when we all start chattering, and we often miss the tranquility of our surroundings. The running brooks and birds were all of a sudden part of the day. Doug was even so inspired by the environment that he stopped to take photos 🤣.
We hiked directly into our accommodations at Coolalingo BnB. As it was a Saturday more people were out – especially the competitors in the Wicklow Way relay. It’s a 125 km route in 8 legs, taking about 7 hrs. During the days trek we encountered many runners passing us going the opposite direction. Our end destination near the Glenmalure Lodge was the halfway point and it was crowded with runners. We were lucky to get a dinner booking – they took us early from 5 till 7 . There was a Kenneally booking for 6 people at 8pm; but that was a different party belonging to a Kevin!
After dinner the boys played cards and the ladies drank most of Michaels birthday Bailey’s in the backyard enjoying the mushroom rock sculpture, rock benches, horses (mother and daughter), donkey and the dogs and the puppies. Counter to our group dynamic, we were staying at a ‘no alcohol’ BnB. But regardless of the instructions on the rooms we still managed to drink more than we should! There are always ways to use a coffee mug or teacup to creatively camouflage your Bailey’s or wine 😉.
