18.10.2013 Views

Open [3.3 MB]

Open [3.3 MB]

Open [3.3 MB]

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

LEINSTER 41<br />

line tnan the Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford, and<br />

if its trains are something sluggish, why, you have<br />

the more time to admire the view. Beyond Grey-<br />

stones you pass through a long marsh, full of wild<br />

fowl, and then come to Wicklow, a pleasant little<br />

town sheltered by its low head. There is an old<br />

Norman keep here, Black Castle, but much more re-<br />

markable is the work of modern builders. Wicklow<br />

Head is adorned with three lighthouses—one carrying<br />

a light. The first tower was built by a wise and<br />

thoughtful Government, and the lamp duly fixed with<br />

ceremony. But when it came to be lit, seamen reported<br />

that while from certain quarters it was admirably<br />

visible, the Head itself blocked it from half the horizon.<br />

Nothing daunted, Government ordered another tower<br />

to be built on a spot indicated in their offices, and<br />

built it was. This illumined the previously excluded<br />

section of sea, but was shut out from the area lighted<br />

by the first tower. Finally, as a counsel of despair,<br />

they sent down someone to look at the ground, and the<br />

third tower, which now carries the light, was duly<br />

erected. The other two remain as monuments of the<br />

persistence with which the English Government has<br />

sought to do things right in Ireland.<br />

From Wicklow you strike into a new type of<br />

country. Rathnew brings you close to the Devil's<br />

Glen, another Dargle, but one with less urbanity and

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!