Today I will finalize the Irish section of the E8. I have come for a short trip to Dublin, with the forecast having to hike only 31km to the docks in Dublin Port. Although my physical condition is not very good, that should be achieveable. I have spent the night in Dublin, and I take the first train (yes, always early, even on easy days!) to Bray, where I take a taxi to my starting point in the middle of nowhere. Just like on many of my August hiking days in Ireland the weather is great!

there is gold on the horizon, in the east!

The trail that is leading the E8 over the Wicklow Mountains and the Dublin Mountains is comfortable, the signs are very good and the views can be fantastic. Ireland is treating me today on such conditions that I can really enjoy vews to the Irish Sea and overlooking Dublin. Wonderfull! 

Great views!

The conditions up in the hills are very nice; the heather and many flowers are blossoming, the air is fresh and clean, and it is quiet. Absolutely lovely! How easy can it be to enjoy the E8 in Ireland!

lovely conditions in Ireland!

When I approach Dublin (this is announced way ahead by the noise from the highway that needs to be crossed) there are more people enjoying being outside and I make some small chats. After the highway is crossed the best part of the day is over, although the weather remains fantastic. The last kilometers to Marlay Park are in the urban environment. The parc is astonishing for someone from the Netherlands; enormous lawns with just grass. In our country this would have been converted to football or hockey fields or just residential area’s. At the end of the parc I look for the ending sign of the Wicklow Way but I cannot find it on the parking space. Due to the nice weather the parking is filled with cars, and it is probabely hidden somewhere. Never mind. I continue trailless, guided by google, to cross the city to the port. At first I come through nice residential area’s, using long straight roads with few crossings. Coming nearer to the city centre there are more turns and traffic lights that make it difficult to keep a moderate pace. The last 4km I walk in the port area towards the passenger terminal; this section is truely horrible. Many heavy trucks are passing by, the air is thick of the smell of oil and refineries, and the straight roads are endless. Very sad to end the Irish section this way, but it is inevitable if one hikes from coast to coast. The contrast to the starting point on Dursey Island could not have been bigger than this!

arriving in Dublin Port