The Irish countryside is one of diverse landscapes and scenic vistas. One of the best ways to experience this gorgeous natural beauty is on foot. There are hundreds of miles of unspoiled marked trails you can choose from to navigate this breathtaking terrain. The most popular trail, however, is the Wicklow Way. It is also Ireland’s first long distance trail.

Located just south of Dublin, the county of Wicklow boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland. The Wicklow Way is an 82 mile long path that starts in at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, and stretches through the uplands and hill country of Wicklow. The trail ends in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow. While a good part of the root is at over 1,600 feet, the trail avoids actual climbing summits. The higher elevation allows even more majestic views.

To walk the entire trail, a hiker of average fitness will usually take between 8 to 10 days. If you don’t want to walk the entire Wicklow Way, you can also walk segments of the trail. The trail can be walked in either direction, but it is usually walked from north to south. The most challenging part of the trail is at the northern end, which includes some hill country and mountain vistas. The southern side of the trail is mostly rolling countryside and easy walking.

On the trail you will encounter a wide range of natural sights including waterfalls, mountain lakes, valleys and wildlife. There are also some old ruins and historic memorials scatter along the way. Professional and amateur photographers alike will not be disappointed by the amazing photo opportunities.

The trail winds within a few kilometers of a number of villages where a wide range of accommodations can be found including hostels, hotels, B&Bs and guest houses. When planning your trip, it is wise to make arrangements for where you will stay the night ahead of time, particularly in peak seasons. The most popular times to walk the Wicklow Way are in the spring and early fall when the days are long and the temperature is fair.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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For many people, Celtic wedding rings and Celtic engagement rings hold dual meaning. They not only symbolize abiding love and devotion, but they are also a token of religious devotion as well. Christianity is prevalent in the Celtic culture, and a commitment to God and spouse often go hand in hand in Celtic jewelry themes.

The Celtic Cross is one of the most recognizable designs in Celtic jewelry, particularly in pendants. St. Patrick created this hybrid symbol using the Christian simple cross, combined with round sun (or “halo”) symbolism native to the pre-Christian Druids of the time. St. Patrick believed that this combined emblem would help bridge the religious gap between the two cultures and bring the Druids closer to Celtic Christian beliefs. Today, the Celtic Cross is an eternal reminder of love and sacrifice and is featured prominently in historical documents and on churches.

The Symbol of the Evangelists is a design used on Celtic jewelry as well as manuscripts and in architecture. It features four winged creatures that represent the prophets of the biblical gospels in the New Testament. The creatures include: a Man (St. Matthew), a Lion (St. Mark), a Calf (St. Luke) and an Eagle (St. John). St. Gregory wrote in the 4th Century that these four symbols represented the very stages of Christ’s life: he was born a man, sacrificed as a calf in death, became a lion in his resurrection and ascended to heaven as an eagle. The Symbol of the Evangelists is often displayed near or with the Celtic Cross.

Always in tune with nature, Celtic religious jewelry often features knots and interlace designs that represent many timeless ideals. Knots and interlace are essentially never ending patterns, so they can denote undying love, marital commitment, familial bond, God’s love and many other extraordinary themes. The sacred geometry of interlace patterns is the ultimate symbol of the interconnectedness of all things, the circle of life and the idea of eternal existence. Celtic artisans began using these designs around the beginning of Christian influence somewhere around 450 AD, but evidence of knots, spirals and similar patterns can be found throughout Europe as early as 2,000 BC.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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Historically, Celtic jewelry carries rich traditions of storytelling, romance and devotion. Celtic rings are just part of the countless options available for both men and women, and Celtic engagement rings are particularly loved the world over. As a matter of fact, Celtic rings of all types are often passed down through family generations as priceless heirlooms. Family is a central part of Celtic culture and since Celtic jewelry symbols are all about love, friendship and loyalty, it makes sense that family members would want to pass these pieces on to future generations.

Claddagh rings are excellent pieces to pass on to children and grandchildren because they have several meanings. They can be given as wedding or engagement rings, but they can also convey friendship and familial bond as well. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, a Claddagh ring expresses the wearer’s romantic availability. A ring passed from a mother to a daughter before she is married would typically be worn as such. Worn with the heart turned inward communicates that you are in a relationship but not married. The ring is then worn on the left hand after getting engaged (heart turned outward) and after marriage (heart turned inward).

Celtic rings that feature spirals are also central to the Celtic tradition. After interlace designs, spirals are the most common motif in Celtic rings. They have been used for centuries by many cultures, and were first incorporated into Celtic metal work around 2,000 BC during the Celtic Iron Age. Thousands of years later, Celtic craftsmen adopted these spirals into jewelry design. Popular styles include La Tene and Ultimate La Tene. Spirals are also used to convey nature themes, such as snails, planets, whirlpools and galaxies. If your family is particularly interested in cosmic symbolism, these pieces of Celtic jewelry may be passed on as heirlooms.

Clockwise spirals, also known as sunwise circles, are traditionally used as Gaelic blessings or good-luck symbols. These are also excellent designs to choose when looking for family pieces, since they can carry the “luck of the Irish” with them for family members during momentous occasions such as weddings, funerals, graduations and births.

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