Falls Falls Falls and Flowers

We woke up to another sunny day with mild temperatures. After breakfast and checkout we set out to tour Wicklow Mountains National Park. Our first target was the Glenmacnass Waterfall. The GPS couldn't find it as a Point of Interest, so we used maps and old fashioned navigating skills to make our way there. The drive there was scenic, and there was no mistaking the falls when we got to them. Rather than a traditional waterfall, the Glenmacnass falls are more of a gradual slope in the local geography where the Glenmacnass river cascades into the valley below. While photographing the falls I climbed a short slope on the mountain side of the road to get the perfect composition of Ethan with the valley behind him. After getting the shot, I started back down but picked up too much speed and ended up falling when I got to the road. Ethan helped me gather some of my scattered belongings and I got up with a skinned elbow and knee, plus some sore muscles. I'm sticking to flat ground the rest of the trip.

We left Glenmacnass and continued on the same road to Sally Gap which I thought might offer a high panorama of the area, but it was disappointing compared to some of the views we had at other points along the way. From Sally Gap we found our way to the Powerscourt Waterfall which is the highest waterfall in Ireland. It is impressive and you can get close enough to enjoy a little waterfall mist.

We left the waterfall to find the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. We spent a lot of time walking around the acres of landscaped gardens, fountains, and sculptures and included a visit to the Japanese Garden and the Pets' Cemetery. After the gardens we had lunch outdoors on the terrace of the Powerscourt Mansion. We also had time for some shopping at the gift shop inside.

The Powerscourt Estate was the last of our planned activities today so we headed out on the 2½ hour drive to Belfast where we had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Tomorrow's weather is also looking OK so we will follow our plan to visit the Giant's Causeway.