The information on this page was for the 2004 Wicklow 200. The Wicklow 200 is changed in various ways each year, so details given here may not apply to the next one. To find information about the next Wicklow 200 please use the links at the top or sides of this page, or go to the main page.
Route | Facilities at start/finish | Accommodation | Travel
The 2004 Wicklow 200 will take place on Sunday 13th June. As usual the route covers 200 km around the hills and mountains of Co. Wicklow, but this year it incorporates some changes from recent years. The start/finish moves to Donnybrook, on the N11 on the southern edge of Dublin city. The route has been changed to include many new climbs and some old favourites. The shorter 100km Wicklow Challenge follows the first part of the 200km route, before turning for home. A map and profile of the two routes are below
Starting from Donnybrook the first few miles of the route are relatively relaxed, as it takes riders south past Bray and Greystones to Ashford. Turning right in Ashford it comes to the short but challenging climb up to Tighlin. This is followed by a further climb over Trooperstown Hill and then up into Rathdrum for the first stop for refreshments.
From Rathdrum those doing the shorter 100km Wicklow Challenge turn towards home, and travel back through Laragh, Roundwood, and Enniskerry to Donnybrook. Those attempting the full 200km Wicklow 200 head from Rathdrum to Glenmalure and over Slieve Maan in the opposite direction to last year. The climb of 325 metres up Slieve Maan from this side rises steeply and relentlessly right from the start, and has been described as one of the most difficult climbs in Ireland. From here the route takes riders by Mullen Cross Roads and the Glen of Imaal to Donard, and onto the main N81 heading north towards Dublin.
Riders will leave the N81 just before Blessington, heading to Valleymount for the second stop of the day. Leaving Valleymount riders will follow the picturesque but very hilly road around the shores of Blessington Lake and through the tiny villages of Ballyknockan and Lacken. At Oldcourt the route turns right, passes over the Liffey at Ballysmutton Bridge, and climbs up to the Sally Gap. At 500 metres, the Sally Gap is the highest peak of the day. It is followed by a short drop down to 400 metres and then a climb back up to almost 500 metres again as the route passes Luggala and Lough Tay. The scenery over the Sally Gap and Luggala is some of the finest to be seen in Wicklow, and riders will have plenty of time to admire it as they toil slowly up the climbs!
Coming down from Luggala, the route turns left climbing slowly past the Sugar Loaf and then down into Enniskerry. Riders who rode the Wicklow 200 in the years when it returned by this road will remember only too well the short sharp climb (called The Wall by many) just before Enniskerry. Coming at the end of the day, and following a long downhill run, The Wall has an effect way beyond its size!
From Enniskerry it's just a few easy miles back to Donnybrook and glory.
See you in Donnybrook bright and early on 13th June!
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