Overview
Arklow is a lively seaside town in County Wicklow, perched where the River Avoca meets the Irish Sea. With a population of roughly 13,400 (2022 census), it balances its historic seafaring legacy with the conveniences of a commuter town for Dublin. The town’s main thoroughfare is split by the River Avoca and linked by the Nineteen Arches Bridge, the longest handmade stone bridge in Ireland. Around the harbour you’ll find a mix of retail, leisure facilities and a growing culinary scene, making Arklow a practical base for exploring the Wicklow coastline and the nearby mountains.
History
Founded by Vikings in the ninth century, Arklow’s Irish name Inbhear Mór means “the large estuary”. The town’s English name derives from the Viking leader Arnkell (Arnkell’s Lág). Early records note that Palladius, the first bishop of Ireland, landed here in 431. Over the centuries the settlement changed hands – from the Anglo‑Norman Theobald Walter to the Butler and Proby families – and grew into a major fishing and ship‑building hub.
The Battle of Arklow on 9 June 1798 was one of the bloodiest episodes of the 1798 rebellion; a monument to the fallen stands in front of St Mary’s and St Peter’s churches. In the 19th century the town’s oyster fisheries were world‑renowned, and the John Tyrrell shipyard produced celebrated vessels such as Francis Chichester’s Gypsy Moth III and the training ship Asgard II. Today, the legacy lives on in the Arklow Maritime Museum and the still‑active Arklow Shipping fleet.
What to See & Do
Nineteen Arches Bridge
The stone‑arch bridge, completed in 1755, spans the Avoca and links the main town with the northern district of Ferrybank. A plaque on the south side commemorates its status as Ireland’s longest handmade stone bridge. The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise when the river reflects the town’s pastel facades.
Arklow Maritime Museum
Located in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre, the museum showcases the town’s boat‑building, lifeboat and fishing traditions. Highlights include a model of Gypsy Moth III and an operational trawler wheelhouse control panel for children.
| Season | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| All year (except Christmas & New Year) | 10:00 – 17:00 |
The museum welcomes school groups and can arrange private tours outside normal hours. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
Arklow Beach
A short walk from the town centre, the South Beach offers a long sandy stretch backed by boulders and a jetty. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and low tide reveals expansive sands perfect for beach‑combing.
Arklow Golf Club
Founded in 1927, this traditional links course lies just 500 m south of the river. Designed by Hawtree and Taylor, the 18‑hole layout is a hidden jewel for golfers of all abilities. Green fees start at €50 for a round of 18.
Coral Leisure Arklow
For indoor recreation, Coral Leisure offers a 25 m pool, children’s pool, sauna, gym with over 50 pieces of equipment, squash and racquetball courts, a skate‑park and a children’s playground. It’s a popular spot for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Cultural Highlights
- Seabreeze Festival – a three‑day midsummer event (mid‑July) featuring live music, street performances and a fireworks finale.
- Arklow Music Festival – running since 1970, this week‑long competition draws musicians from across Ireland.
- Van Morrison’s “Streets of Arklow” – the town is immortalised in the singer‑songwriter’s 1974 track on Veedon Fleece.
- Arklow Silver Band – featured on U2’s “Red Hill Mining Town”.
Sailing & Water Sports
Arklow Harbour is a small commercial and fishing port that also supports a vibrant sailing community. Moorings are available on the inner quays, and the local sailing club runs regular courses for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Tidal streams are moderate, making day‑sails from May to September reliable. The harbour is about 12 nm south‑south‑west of Wicklow Harbour, offering easy access to the wider east‑coast cruising routes.
Nearby Natural Attractions
While Arklow itself is more industrial than scenic, the surrounding Wicklow countryside offers spectacular options:
- Brittas Bay (≈ 20 km north) – a Blue Flag beach with surf schools and cafés.
- Vale of Avoca – the meeting point of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers, celebrated by Thomas Moore’s poem “The Meeting of the Waters”.
- Croghan Mountain – a 606 m peak on the Wicklow–Wexford border, reachable via a well‑marked trail from Raheenleagh Wood.
- Avondale Forest Park – just a short drive south, this park surrounds Avondale House (home of Charles Stewart Parker) and offers woodland walks, a lake and a visitor centre.
- Avoca Handweaving Mill – a historic mill and craft shop in the nearby village of Avoca, ideal for a half‑day outing.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Train – Iarnród Éireann runs four to five daily services from Dublin Connolly to Arklow (≈ 1 h 40 min). The station opened in 1863 and sits on the Dublin‑Rosslare line.
- By Bus – Bus Éireann routes 2 and 2X connect Arklow with Dublin and the south‑east; Wexford Bus also serves the town, including a stop at M11 junction 20.
- By Car – The M11/N11 bypasses the town between junctions 20 and 21. The road upgrade completed in 2015 provides a seamless motorway link from Dublin to Gorey.
Parking & Access
- Free on‑street parking is available on most side streets in the town centre; the Bridgewater Shopping Centre has a paid car park.
- The Nineteen Arches Bridge is fully accessible for pedestrians and wheelchair users, with gentle ramps on both sides.
- Arklow Harbour offers on‑site moorings and a nearby sailing club; facilities are open year‑round.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair‑friendly routes include the bridge, the Maritime Museum (ground‑floor access) and the Coral Leisure centre (ramps and lifts).
- Public toilets are available at the leisure centre and at the train station.
Accommodation
A range of options cater to different budgets:
- Arklow Bay Conference, Leisure & Spa Hotel – four‑star seaside hotel with spa, pool and conference facilities.
- Bridge Hotel – family‑run boutique hotel near the bridge, offering free Wi‑Fi and easy access to the harbour.
- Woodenbridge Lodge – a quieter lodge with garden views, balconies and on‑site dining.
Essential Services
- Tourist Office – the Arklow Community Tourist Office (Discover Ireland) provides maps, event listings and local advice.
- Phone – the town’s main information line is +353 402 33400 (Arklow Town Taxis, also useful for general enquiries).
Seasonal Highlights
- The Maritime Museum is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Lifeguards patrol Arklow Beach from late May to early September.
- The Seabreeze Festival takes place in mid‑July; accommodation fills quickly, so book early if you plan to attend.
- Summer months see a boost in sailing activity and open‑air concerts in the harbour area.
Why Visit Arklow?
Arklow offers a rare blend of authentic maritime heritage, vibrant community events and convenient transport links to Dublin and the south‑east. Whether you’re tracing Viking roots, watching a sailing regatta, or simply strolling along a quiet beach, the town provides a welcoming base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of County Wicklow.