Sunburst at the Octagon

A shot standing inside the shell of the “Octagon,” looking out over the valley at Glen of the Downs. It’s strange to think that this was once a fully enclosed room. It was built way back in 1766 by David La Touche of the nearby Bellevue Estate. Back then, it was a "banqueting house," complete with a roof and glass windows, designed specifically for tea parties with a view.

The roof is long gone now, of course, leaving it open to the elements. But honestly? I think I prefer it this way. Standing there with the sun bursting over the stone walls and the wind rushing up from the N11 far below, you feel a real connection to the landscape. It’s like the building has stopped being a house and started becoming part of the hill itself. If you're ever driving through Wicklow, it is well worth the stop to stretch your legs and soak in this atmosphere.