| County Wicklow
The county of Wicklow, just south of Dublin, has great variety of scenery within its boarders. It is known as the 'Garden of Ireland'.
 In the east of the coastal area is low and sandy, except in a few places where it crops out in headlands; two of the country's main resorts, Arklow and Bray are along this coast. Central Wicklow is a mass of domed granite mountains, penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys; it contains some of the finest scenery in Ireland. To the west, the mountains give way to gentler country on the edge of the central plain.
Wicklow has an area of 2,025 sq km (782 sq mi). The Liffey and Slaney rivers rise within the county. The dominant feature of the terrain is the Wicklow Mountains and their foothills; the highest summit is Lugnaquillia (926 m/3039 ft). The rugged, heather-clad Wicklow Mountains, a refuge for Irish rebels in the past, are a popular subject for artists. The county's interesting ruins and many deep glens, which are noted for their beauty, attract many tourists. Wicklow was organized as a county in 1606.
Round Towers are unique Christian architectural features in Ireland, probably derived from visits to Europe and seeing the great bell towers. At Glendelough in County Wicklow near St. Kevin's Church is the Round Tower. At over 110 feet, it is one of the largest in the country. They were built between the 10th - 12th century and are believed to have been used as places of refuge and storage for valuables. The doorway was usually 12 feet above ground and reached by a removable ladder, as were each of the floors inside. Although legend has it that their principle function was to keep out maurading Vikings from attacking, it was probably more likely that it was a status symbol of the importance of the church or manastry associated with the tower.
The Black Castle
Wicklow, Wicklow.
It is a ruin standing on a rocky promontory at the eastern end of the town. The castle was begun by Maurice Fitzgerald when he was granted the district in 1176, but his death a year later delayed its completion. In 1375 the castle was strengthened by William Fitzwilliam, whose descendants held the constableship for several generations. The castle was frequently attacked by the Irish and sometimes occupied by them. Early in the sixteenth century it was held by the O'Brynes, but they had to surrender, it with the town, to the forces of the Crown in 1543. Luke O'Toole invested the fortress in 1641, but was froced to raise the siege when the army of Sir Charles Coote arrived.
Carnew Castle
Carnew, Wicklow.
There is no other county in Ireland which is as varied in landscape, ambience or social and historical influences as County Wicklow, the "Garden County" of Ireland. And yet it is only 60km x 50km in area. Lying just south of Dublin city, Wicklow plays a vital role in providing a huge recreational amenity for the growing population of Dublin, as well as to the many overseas visitors who have discovered its compact beauty and many attractions. Wicklow has something for everybody magnificent scenery, some of the finest beaches and seaside resorts in the country, a wide range of heritage from Glendalough to some of the best houses and gardens in Ireland (open to the public). The old 17th Century O' Toole castle has been modernised and is privately owned. A British garrison occupied the castle during the 1798 rebellion and there is a memorial to 36 rebels who were executed following the uprising. The Croghan Valley is a very scenic drive which dips into Wexford and runs below Croghan Mountain to Coolgreany while Holt's Way Drive runs through the village.
Round Tower
Glendalough, Wicklow.
For many, Round towers have come to be seen as a symbol of Ireland and a direct link with the glories of the monastic era. The Glendalough Round Tower is probably the finest surviving example in Ireland. Over 40 metres in height and with a circumference of 16 metres, access is through a doorway 3.5 metres above ground. Built for the dual purposes of serving as a watch-tower and place of refuge during the period of the Viking invasions, the tower was restored in 1876, the conical cap being rebuilt with the original stones which were found scattered at the base.
Deer Stone
Glendalough, Wicklow.
Located across the Glenealo river from St. Kevin's Kitchen, the Deer Stone is thought to be a baptismal font of great antiquity. When the wife of one of themonastery workmen died during childbirth in the seventh century, Kevin is said to have prayed here and a doe came daily and deposited a supply of milk into the hollow of the stone for the baby. According to legend the child later became a disciple of Kevin.
Arklow Arklow is one of the main seaside resorts on the east coast and is beautifully situated at the mouth of the River Avoca, in the extreme south of the county. Fishing and shipping are traditional here. The yacht that Sir Francis Chichester brought around the world - Gipsy Moth III - was built in Arklow shipyard. The town's famous pottery products are exported worldwide.
Ashford
Ashford is a pretty village on the Dublin-Wicklow road. Beside the River Vartry, just east of the town are the breathtaking Mount Usher Gardens. Designed in 1868 by Edward Walpole, these romantic gardens contain many rare shrubs and trees, from Chinese conifers and bamboos to Mexican pines and pampas grass. The gardens are open to the public every day during the summer season.
Aughrim
Known as the Granite village because of its many buildings constructed from Wicklow Granite, Aughrim is beautifully situated at the junction of several mountain valleys. The valley of the River Ow boasts magnificent scenery, which extends north-west of Aughrim for about 10 miles to the foot of Lugnaquilla Mountain. The Rivers Aughrim, Ow and Derry hold numerous small brown trout.
Avoca
South of Rathdrum, the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers join to form the Avoca River, about 3 miles north of Avoca village; this is the famous Meeting of the Waters. Overlooking the scene is Castle Howard, situated on a cliff by the river's eastern bank. Nearby is Tom Moore's tree, where the poet is said to have spent long hours in contemplation. Now it is a stark skeleton, railed off to save it from souvenir-hunters. The Vale of Avoca is especially lovely in late spring, when drifts of white blossom from the wild cherry trees are in stark contrast to the green foliage. On either side of the valley, the ground rises in little hills, culminating on the western side in a background of mountains. Valuable deposits of pyrites lie in the valley They contain ores of copper, lead, zinc and sulphur (no longer mined). In Avoca village a weaving centre is open to the public; its products are internationally renowned.
Baltinglass
Situated on the banks of the river Slaney, Baltinglass is a market town with many unique and interesting hill forts bearing testament to human occupation of the area from prehistoric times. Baltinglass lies in a pleasant part of the Slaney valley, with Baltinglass Hill (1,258 feet) rising steeply in the east and slightly lower hills beyond the river to the west. On the summit of the hill are the remains of a large cairn containing a group of Bronze Age burial chambers. From the summit there is a very fine view over the surrounding country.
Bray
Bray is one of Ireland's biggest and longest-established seaside resorts. It has a safe sandy beach which stretches for well over a mile, and a setting dominated by Bray Head which overlooks the town. Fronting the length of the beach is a spacious esplanade - a favourite strolling place for locals and tourists alike. Mini-golf and other amusements border the esplanade. Bray is an excellent centre for touring the beauty spots of County Wicklow, and is near the cross-channel ferry ports of Dun Laoghaire and Dublin city. The town is within the Dublin commuter belt and is served by the DART electric train service and a regular bus service from the city.
Enniskerry
Enniskerry is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, lying in a wooded hollow among the hills west of Bray. Nearby are Powerscourt demesne and the Glen of the Dargle.
Glendalough
Glendalough - The Glen of the Two Lakes - is a valley celebrated for its beauty and its historical and archaeological interest. The valley is home to one of Ireland's most atmospheric monastic sites, established by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The area also provides excellent rock-climbing, rough scrambling and ordinary hill walking. A visitor centre, located at the mouth of the valley, provides a unique opportunity to interpret the lives and times of the monks who once lived here.
Rathdrum
The little town of Rathdrum stands high on the western side of the beautiful Avonmore valley. Lying at the junction of several roads, it is a good base for exploring the county. The Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers hold numerous small brown trout. The Clara Funpark provides family entertainment.
Wicklow town
The seaside resort of Wicklow town is also the county town. Standing on the lower slopes of Ballyguile Hill, it overlooks a wide bay fringed by a crescent curve of coast. St Mantan, after whose church the town is named, lived at the time of St Patrick. Long after this the town was occupied by the Danes, who called it Wykinglo and made it one of their main maritime bases on the east coast. After the Anglo-Norman invasion in the twelfth century, Wicklow was included in the large grants of land made by Strongbow to Maurice Fitzgerald. Until the seventeenth century the town was repeatedly attacked, as the O' Tooles and O'Byrnes contended with the English for it. The old town of narrow streets has been considerably modernised, but it still retains much of its old-world atmosphere.
GOLF:
Bray Golf Club
TBrennan, Ravenswell Road, Bray, Wicklow.
Phone: +353 1 2862092
Fax: +353 1 2862484
Established 1897 A nine-hole layout with different tee boxes for each nine, making for an interesting eighteen holes. Situated in the town of Bray, 15 miles from Dublin and close to all hotels and guest houses. Hire facilities: Club hire, Trolley hire and Buggy (powered golf cart) hire.
Wicklow Golf Club
Mr David Daly, Dumbur Road, Wicklow, Wicklow.
Established 1904 Situated on the cliffs overlooking Wicklow Bay, the nearby extended 18 holes is a challenging and scenically spectacular test of Golf. The recently extended (1994) eighteen-hole course is situated along the cliffs overlooking Wicklow Bay on the outskirts of Wicklow town. It has panoramic views from every point on the course with the Wicklow Hills to the west and the Irish Sea to the east. With the introduction of eleven new holes the course provides a true test of golf for all abilities. Every hole has its own distinctive feature. The par 3s will test even the most accurate of golfers, with the 17th in particular - from an elevated tee over two 'watery graves' - a sight to behold.
The River Slaney
Baltinglass, Wicklow.
County Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland, is renowned for its magnificent landscape, dramatic Loughs, mountainous terrain and long sandy beaches. With a large range of rivers, lakes and sea fishing opportunities to choose from your angling holiday in Co. Wicklow will certainly be and enjoyable one. Only 12 miles from Dublin, Ireland's capital city, the county is easily accessible from the ports of Dun Laoghaire and Rosslare, Co. Wexford or from Dublin Airport. Co. Wicklow has some of the best river, lake and sea fishing available in Ireland and visiting anglers are welcome to fish by becoming a member of the controlling club or by purchasing a day, week, or season permit.
Fishing available: Brown Trout, Salmon. The River Slaney is one of the foremost salmon fishing rivers in Ireland. Salmon angling is available downstream from Tullow town in Co. Carlow and this stretch is club-controlled by theTullow Salmon and Trout Angling Club. In the Co Wicklow stretch of the Slaney north of Tullow, brown trout is the dominant species. Fishing for brown trout in these waters is free but in all such cases it is advisable to check with the local riparian owners.
Shore Angling
Wicklow, Wicklow.
County Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland, is renowned for its magnificent landscape, dramatic Loughs, mountainous terrain and long sandy beaches. With a large range of rivers, lakes and sea fishing opportunities to choose from your angling holiday in Co. Wicklow will certainly be and enjoyable one. Only 12 miles from Dublin, Ireland's capital city, the county is easily accessible from the ports of Dun Laoghaire and Rosslare, Co. Wexford or from Dublin Airport. Co. Wicklow has some of the best river, lake and sea fishing available in Ireland and visiting anglers are welcome to fish by becoming a member of the controlling club or by purchasing a day, week, or season permit.
Co Wicklow's thirty two miles of coastline provide plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best sea angling in Ireland. The elevan mile stretch of steep-to-beach runs almost uninterrupted between Greystones and Wicklow is one of the most popular shore fishing areas in Ireland. It is used extensively for competitions. Quality sea-angling can be experienced for more or less ten months of the year i.e. from May through to February. No licences or permits are required for sea angling.
PUBS:
Murphy's
Mr & Mrs Brian & Joan Murphy, Arklow, Wicklow.
Phone: +353 402 32781
This pub is an Irish Pub of Distinction. Situated in the busy town of Arklow this exceptional family run Pub offers the finest in food and drink.
From the old traditional public bar, the luxurious surrounding of the lounge to the tastefully decorated function room on the first floor, this is an ideal venue. Bar food served all day. Excellent cuisine in our newly opened restaurant overlooking the beer garden and river Avoca. Large prebooked groups welcome. This is a pub that has everything.
Quinns Bar
Mr William Quinn, Main Street, Baltinglass, Wicklow.
Phone: +353 508 81266
Fax: +353 508 81080
This pub is an Irish Pub of Distinction.
Established since 1936, has since developed into three separate drinking and eating emporia. The whole place has a distinct 'horsey' theme with loads of pictures and memorabilia of the great racing heroes of the past. The lounge and conservatory areas are packed every day at lunchtime with people from near and far enjoying the excellent and varied cuisine which Quinns have become famous for, since the advent of the McAllister Restaurant a few years ago. McAllisters, is not only one of the most popular in the area but is in itself a treasure house for 1798 lore and artefacts. Most importantly, the food is great, the price is right and the staff are friendly and accommodating. So, whenever you decide to go to Quinns you are sure to meet good characters, enjoy the best of drink and food and most importantly have good craic.
Jacobs Well
Mr. & Mrs. Noel & Helen Jacob, Main Street, Rathdrum, Wicklow.
Phone: +353 404 46282
This pub is an Irish Pub of Distinction.
Jacobs Well consists of a fabulously redecorated lounge and bar uniquely incorporating olde and new world features, with a homely atmosphere and highly competent friendly staff and management. High quality home cooked breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are available. We specialise in accomodating groups and coach tours with a friendly welcome and service assured. A meeting place for GAA supporters after the match. Jacobs Well where all Gaels meet. |
