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| VALE OF CLARA, CO. WICKLOW.- This charming vale is a sister valley to that of Avoca, and is in many respects, a formidable rival to it. The Avonmore meanders through it from end to end, and reflects in its clear waters some of the most exquisite mountain and woodland scenery to be found in an island justly celebrated for the endless number of its enchanting vistas. Some travellers hold that the view of the Vale of Clara from the high road near Loragh has no equal outside of the Tyrol or Tuscany. The pretty name of the valley comes from the Gaelic word Claragh, which means a level place. Clara itself is undulating through most of its extent, which covers about eight miles, but, in contrast with Glenmalure, or even Avoca, it is comparatively level, so that its title cannot be called a misnomer. Clara smiles in beauty in the midst of plenty:- A plenteous place is Ireland for hospitable cheer, Where there wholesome grain is bursting from the yellow barley ear, There is honey in the trees where her misty vales expand, And her forest paths, in summer, are by falling waters fanned, There is dew at high monnride there, and springs in the yellow sand, On the fair hill of holy Ireland. |
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