Day 1 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - WICKLOW
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Takes Wicklow: Guinness Zero, Good Vibes & Mental Health Craic
What’s the story, my people?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, and I’m on a mission. Not just any mission—this one’s got heart, sweat, and a whole lot of pedal power. I’m cycling around Ireland (yes, the WHOLE island, lads!) to raise awareness and support for Jigsaw, the amazing charity helping young people with their mental health. Because let’s be real—life can be mad sometimes, and we all need a bit of support.
And where better to kick off this journey than the Garden of Ireland itself—County Wicklow. I’m talking mountains, monks, and more sheep than people. Let’s dive in.
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🌄 First Impressions: Wicklow, You Mad Beauty
I rolled into Wicklow Town like a man on a mission—with my helmet on, my bike gleaming, and a bottle of Guinness Zero tucked in my backpack like it was holy water. No dreadlocks anymore, but the vibes are still strong. The air here? So fresh it nearly slapped me in the face. You don’t get that in Dublin, I’ll tell you that for free.
Wicklow is called the Garden of Ireland, and I see why. It’s like nature went full Picasso here—green hills, winding roads, and views that make you want to write poetry even if you failed English in school.
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🧠 Why Jigsaw Matters
Before we get into the craic, let me get serious for a sec. Mental health is no joke. I’ve met young people all over Ireland who are struggling—feeling lost, anxious, or just not themselves. Jigsaw is out here giving them a space to talk, to heal, and to feel seen. That’s why I’m doing this tour. Because if I can make even one person feel less alone, then every uphill climb is worth it.
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🚴♂️ The Ride Begins: Wicklow’s Wild Roads
Let me tell you something about cycling in Wicklow—it’s not for the faint-hearted. These hills don’t play. I thought I was fit until I met the Wicklow Mountains. They looked at me like, “You sure about this, bro?”
But the views? Mad. I hit the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first long-distance trail, and it felt like I was riding through a postcard. 131 kilometres of pure magic. I passed forests so thick they looked like they were hiding secrets, waterfalls that sounded like nature’s ASMR, and sheep that stared at me like I owed them money.
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😂 Funny Wicklow Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned about Wicklow:
- Wicklow was the last county to be officially formed in Ireland—in 1606. Late to the party, but worth the wait.
- The name “Wicklow” comes from the old Norse word meaning “Vikings’ Meadow.” So basically, it was the OG Airbnb for Vikings.
- The Wicklow Mountains are the largest continuous upland area in Ireland. Translation: hills for days.
- Wicklow’s coastline is only 64 kilometres long, but it’s got beaches that’ll make you forget you’re in Ireland. I saw one lad surfing in a wetsuit and a woolly hat. Iconic.
- The ancient monastery at Glendalough, founded by Saint Kevin, is still standing strong. I went there and felt like I was in a Netflix medieval drama. All I needed was a sword and a dramatic backstory.
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🏞️ Glendalough: Spiritual Vibes & Squirrel Side-Eye
Speaking of Glendalough—this place is unreal. I parked the bike and took a walk around the lakes and ruins. It’s peaceful, like nature’s version of airplane mode. I sat by the water, sipping my Guinness Zero, and a squirrel gave me side-eye like he was judging my life choices.
Saint Kevin built a monastery here in the 6th century. SIXTH. That’s before TikTok, before electricity, before even Tayto crisps. The man was living in a cave, praying and chilling with deer. Respect.
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🗣️ Chatting with Locals: Wicklow’s Got Characters
You know me—I can’t go anywhere without chatting to the locals. I met a farmer named Paddy (of course), who told me his sheep are smarter than most politicians. I met a woman in Bray who said she’s been sea swimming every morning for 20 years. I asked her if she’s part dolphin. She said, “No love, just mad.”
The people here are warm, funny, and full of stories. One lad told me he once tried to cycle up Lugnaquilla (Wicklow’s highest peak at 925m) with a crate of cider strapped to his back. He didn’t make it, but the effort was heroic.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Finding Peace in the Pedals
Cycling gives you time to think. And in Wicklow, surrounded by nature, I found myself reflecting a lot. About how we all carry stuff—stress, sadness, pressure to be perfect. But out here, with the wind in my face and the mountains watching over me, I felt lighter.
That’s what Jigsaw is about. Helping young people find that lightness. That space to breathe. That reminder that they’re not alone.
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🛏️ Wicklow Hospitality: B&Bs and Breakfasts That Slap
I stayed in a little B&B run by a couple who treated me like their long-lost nephew. They made me porridge so good I nearly cried. The woman said, “It’s the oats, love. Grown in Wicklow soil.” I don’t know what Wicklow puts in its soil, but it’s working.
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🎬 Wicklow on Screen: Hollywood Meets Sheep
Did you know Wicklow is basically Ireland’s Hollywood? Loads of movies and shows have been filmed here—Braveheart, PS I Love You, even Vikings. I walked through a forest and half expected Liam Neeson to jump out and give me a motivational speech.
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🧡 Wrapping Up Wicklow: First Stop, Big Heart
So that’s Wicklow, folks. First stop on this mad adventure, and already I’m buzzing. The hills nearly killed me, the people revived me, and the vibes? Immaculate.
If you’re reading this and you’re struggling—know that you’re not alone. Reach out. Talk to someone. And if you can, support Jigsaw. They’re doing incredible work, and every bit helps.
Next stop? I’ll keep that a surprise. But trust me, the Black Paddy is coming, and he’s bringing the craic, the compassion, and the Guinness Zero.
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📣 Final Shout-Outs
- Big love to everyone who waved at me on the road. Especially the kid who shouted, “Go on ya legend!” You made my day.
- Shout-out to the sheep who didn’t chase me. Respect.
- And to Wicklow—thank you for the welcome, the wisdom, and the wildness.
Until next time,
Stay blessed, stay bold, and mind your mental health.
💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
