Overview
Nestled on the Wicklow Gap road just south of Naas, Hollywood is a pocket of tranquillity that feels worlds away from its Californian namesake. With a population of under one hundred (EcoLandscapes), the village offers a relaxed pace, a handful of local amenities – a hotel, two pubs, a coffee shop and a historic church – and immediate access to some of Ireland’s most celebrated walking routes. The landscape is a patchwork of rolling hills dotted with holly trees, giving the place its Irish name Cnoic Rua (Red Hill) and the occasional glimpse of the famous Hollywood sign perched on a nearby ridge.
History & Legends
The Irish name Cillín Chaoimhín translates to “Kevin’s Little Church”, a nod to the 6th‑century saint who passed through the area on his way to founding the monastic settlement at Glendalough. Historical records also list the settlement as Killinkeyvin and Cnoic Rua, the latter possibly referring to the red berries of holly trees or the heather that blankets the hills in late summer.
A local legend links the village’s name to Hollywood, California: blacksmith Matthew Guirke emigrated in the 1850s, founded a homestead in California and named it after his native village. While the story is part of local folklore, the village itself predates its American counterpart by centuries.
The village church, St Kevin’s Church, dates to around 1680. It is one of the few Irish churches still illuminated by gas lamps and features a vaulted 17th‑century roof that gives it exceptional acoustics. Musicians such as Phil Coulter, Sinéad O’Connor and The Chieftains have recorded here, and the building doubles as a community venue for concerts and cultural events. The church has no active official website.
Film & TV Highlights
Hollywood sits on the Wicklow Film Trails, a self‑guided route that marks locations used in major productions. The trail is sign‑posted and a printable map is available from the Blessington Tourist Office or the Wicklow Film Trails website.
Key locations:
- Brockagh moorland – the bleak, windswept backdrop for Reign of Fire.
- Braveheart stockade – the fortified earthworks where the famous battle scenes were shot (extras included local Irish reservists).
- P.S. I Love You bridge – a stone bridge a short detour from the village, featured in the romantic drama.
- King Arthur road stretch – the winding road between Hollywood and the Blessington Lakes that appears in the 2004 epic.
- Dancing at Lughnasa – several village streets and surrounding fields were used for this 1998 film.
- Michael Collins – scenes starring Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts were filmed in the surrounding countryside.
- Meryl Streep – appeared in Dancing at Lughnasa while on location here.
Visitors can follow the trail on foot or by car, stopping at each sign for a quick photo. No formal tours run from the village, but the map includes suggested parking spots and walking routes.
Walking & Pilgrimage Routes
- Saint Kevin’s Way – a 30 km pilgrim path that begins in Hollywood, climbs the Wicklow Gap and finishes at the ruins of Glendalough. The first kilometre starts just outside the village centre.
- Wicklow Way – intersects nearby, offering longer multi‑day treks through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. A convenient link is at Ballinagee Bridge.
- Bronze Age Piper’s Stones – located 3.5 km southwest on the N81, these standing stones are sign‑posted and provide a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past.
- St Kevin’s Chair & Bed – distinctive rock formations behind the post office, linked to the saint’s legend; accessible via a short walk.
- St Kevin’s Bed & Cave – a small cave on the hillside near the Upper Lake of Glendalough, traditionally identified as the saint’s sleeping place.
All trails are well‑marked; sturdy footwear is advised and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Seasonal & Weather Advice
Winter weather can make the Wicklow Gap and surrounding roads hazardous. Snow and ice have led to road‑closure warnings from Wicklow Mountain Rescue (see Irish Independent coverage, Jan 2025). Visitors should check local weather alerts and road‑closure updates before travelling, especially in January–February.
Annual Events
- Pre‑1950s themed fair (August) – a vintage‑style fair with rides, craft stalls, live music and local food. The exact dates vary each year; visitors should confirm the programme with the local community board or the Blessington Tourist Office.
- Music Under the Mountain (September) – acoustic performances held in St Kevin’s Church, showcasing local talent.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Why Visit? |
|---|---|
| St Kevin’s Church | 17th‑century architecture, gas‑lamp lighting, recording‑studio acoustics, and a starting point for the Camino de Glendalough. |
| Hollywood Sign Viewpoint | Although the replica sign has been removed, the ridge still offers panoramic views of the Blessington Lakes. |
| Saint Kevin’s Way | Follow the pilgrim’s footsteps for a 30 km trek to Glendalough; the first kilometre starts just outside the village centre. |
| Poulaphouca Reservoir (Blessington Lakes) | A 20 km² lake created by the mid‑20th‑century dam; ideal for picnics, fishing and spotting the Liffey’s three‑stage cascade. |
| Bronze Age Piper’s Stones | Located 3.5 km southwest on the N81, these ancient standing stones are sign‑posted and provide a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past. |
| Tutty’s Pub & The Hollywood Inn | Historic pubs – Tutty’s dates back to the 1790s stage‑coach stop, while the Hollywood Inn offers rooms and a cosy bar. |
| Horseshoe Cottage | Former blacksmith’s forge, now a charming cottage that hints at the village’s industrial past. |
| St Kevin’s Chair & Bed | Rock formations linked to the saint’s legend, accessible via a short walk from the post office. |
| Local Pubs & Café | Enjoy a pint of Irish stout or a coffee in a setting that feels untouched by mass tourism. |
| Film Locations Tour | Self‑guided adventure using the Wicklow Film Trails map; no formal tours run from the village. |
Nearby Attractions
- Baltinglass Abbey – a 12th‑century Cistercian monastery a short drive north, set in a tranquil valley. (Baltinglass)
- Castle Kevin – the ruins of an early medieval fortification overlooking the valley, linked to the saint’s early life.
- Russborough House and Parklands – a grand Palladian mansion near Blessington, renowned for its art collection and landscaped gardens.
Practical Information
- Access – Hollywood is accessed via the N81, which connects directly to the M50 motorway for those travelling from Dublin. The nearest bus stop is in Blessington (≈5 km) and the closest train station is in Rathdrum. Most visitors arrive by car.
- Parking – A small free car park beside the village shop is available on a first‑come‑first‑served basis. No paid parking is required year‑round, though a modest charge may be applied during peak summer months.
- Maps – A repurposed telephone kiosk in the centre holds a free local map and trail information, including the Wicklow Film Trails guide.
- Walking trails – Saint Kevin’s Way and the Wicklow Way are well‑marked; the terrain is uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advised. Dogs are welcome on the trails but should be kept under control.
- Winter weather – Snow and ice can make the Wicklow Gap and surrounding roads hazardous in winter. Check local weather warnings and road‑closure updates (e.g., Wicklow Mountain Rescue alerts) before travelling.
- Facilities – The village centre is compact and easily navigable on foot. St Kevin’s Church welcomes visitors daily; services are held on Sundays and occasional special events such as the “Music Under the Mountain” series in September. Admission to the church is free.
- Accommodation & Food – The Hollywood Inn (pub with rooms) and the Hollywood Hotel provide basic lodging. Self‑catering options such as the nearby St Kevin’s Cottage (Airbnb) are also available. Tutty’s Pub and the local café serve meals and refreshments.
- Film heritage – The Blessington Tourist Office can supply a printable map of film‑location spots.
Overall, Hollywood offers a blend of spiritual pilgrimage, cinematic nostalgia and rugged Irish scenery, making it a rewarding stop for walkers, history buffs and film aficionados alike.