Overview
Hollywood sits on the N81 just south of the Wicklow Gap, a quiet settlement of under one hundred residents that trades its Californian namesake for a distinctly Irish rhythm. The village offers a handful of essentials – a hotel, two pubs, a café, and a historic church – set against a backdrop of rolling hills and scattered holly trees. Locals know the area as Cnoic Rua (Red Hill), a name that likely references the heather covering the slopes in late summer or the berries of the native holly. It serves as a practical base for walkers, a quiet stop for road-trippers heading toward the mountains, and the official starting point for one of Ireland’s most famous pilgrim routes.
History & Local Legend
The village’s original Irish name, Cillín Chaoimhín (“Kevin’s Little Church”), points to the 6th-century saint who passed through here en route to founding his monastic settlement at Glendalough. Historical maps also list the area as Killinkeyvin, further cementing the early religious connection.
A persistent local story explains the Hollywood name: blacksmith Matthew Guirke emigrated to California in the 1850s and reportedly named his new homestead after his Irish village. While the village predates the American city by centuries, the legend remains a popular talking point among locals and visitors alike.
The architectural heart of Hollywood is St Kevin’s Church, dating to around 1680. It remains one of the few Irish churches still lit by gas lamps and features a vaulted 17th-century wooden roof that creates exceptional natural acoustics. Over the decades, the space has doubled as a recording studio for artists including Phil Coulter, Sinéad O’Connor, and The Chieftains. Today, it functions as both an active place of worship and a community venue for concerts and cultural gatherings.
Walking & Pilgrimage Routes
Hollywood is a natural starting point for several well-marked trails:
- Saint Kevin’s Way – A 30 km pilgrim path that begins just outside the village centre, climbs toward the Wicklow Gap, and finishes at the monastic ruins near Glendalough. The first kilometre is easily accessible from the main road.
- The Wicklow Way – Ireland’s first Waymarked Long Distance Walk intersects the area nearby. A convenient connection point is at Ballinagee Bridge, linking through to the broader Wicklow Mountains National Park network.
- St Kevin’s Chair & Bed – Distinctive rock formations located on the hillside behind the village post office. Local tradition ties them to the saint’s early ascetic practices, and they are reachable via a short, gentle walk.
- St Kevin’s Bed & Cave – A small cave on the hillside near the Upper Lake of Glendalough, traditionally identified as the saint’s resting place.
- Bronze Age Piper’s Stones – Located 3.5 km southwest along the N81, these sign-posted standing stones offer a quiet glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past.
All routes are clearly marked. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven terrain, and dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a leash.
The Wicklow Film Trail
The surrounding landscape has served as a stand-in for medieval castles, rugged coastlines, and rural Ireland in numerous major productions. Hollywood sits on the Wicklow Film Trails, a self-guided route marked by informational signs along the road. A printable map is available from the Blessington Tourist Office or online.
Key stops include:
- Brockagh Moorland – The bleak, windswept terrain used for Reign of Fire.
- Braveheart Stockade – Fortified earthworks where battle sequences were filmed, featuring local Irish reservists as extras.
- P.S. I Love You Bridge – A stone crossing a short detour from the village, featured in the romantic drama.
- King Arthur Road Stretch – The winding section between Hollywood and the Blessington Lakes that appears in the 2004 epic.
- Dancing at Lughnasa & Michael Collins – Village streets and surrounding fields served as backdrops for both films, with the latter starring Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts.
Visitors can follow the trail by car or on foot. There are no formal guided tours departing from the village, but the trail map notes safe parking spots and walking access points.
What to See & Do
- St Kevin’s Church – Step inside to see the original gas lamps, vaulted roof, and recording-quality acoustics. It also marks the traditional start of the Camino de Glendalough.
- Hollywood Sign Viewpoint – While the replica sign has been removed, the ridge still provides clear, panoramic views across the Blessington Lakes.
- Tutty’s Pub & The Hollywood Inn – Tutty’s operates from a building dating back to the 1790s stage-coach era. The Hollywood Inn offers a cosy bar and overnight rooms.
- Horseshoe Cottage – A former blacksmith’s forge converted into a residential cottage, preserving a tangible link to the village’s industrial history.
- Local Café & Pubs – The compact village centre makes it easy to grab a coffee or a pint without navigating busy streets.
Annual Events
- Pre-1950s Themed Fair (August) – A vintage-style community event featuring rides, craft stalls, live music, and local food. Dates shift annually, so check the local community board or Blessington Tourist Office for the current schedule.
- Music Under the Mountain (September) – An acoustic concert series held inside St Kevin’s Church, showcasing regional musicians and taking advantage of the building’s natural sound projection.
Practical Information
- Getting there – Hollywood is reached via the N81, which connects directly to the M50 motorway for those travelling from Dublin. The nearest bus stop is in Blessington (approximately 5 km away), and the closest train station is in Rathdrum. Most visitors arrive by car.
- Parking – A small free car park sits beside the village shop. Spaces are first-come, first-served. No paid parking is required, though a modest charge may apply during peak summer weekends.
- Maps & Information – A repurposed telephone kiosk in the village centre holds free local maps, trail guides, and the Wicklow Film Trails booklet.
- Weather & Winter Travel – The Wicklow Gap and surrounding roads can become hazardous in winter. Snow and ice have prompted road-closure warnings from Wicklow Mountain Rescue in recent years. Always check local weather alerts and road-status updates before travelling, particularly between January and March.
- Facilities & Access – The village centre is compact and easily navigated on foot. St Kevin’s Church welcomes visitors daily; Sunday services are held regularly, and admission is free. The Hollywood Inn and Hollywood Hotel provide basic lodging, while nearby self-catering options like St Kevin’s Cottage offer additional flexibility.
Nearby Attractions
- Baltinglass – A short drive north, this valley town is home to a well-preserved 12th-century Cistercian abbey set in quiet farmland.
- Castle Kevin – The ruins of an early medieval fortification overlooking the valley, traditionally linked to the early life of the saint.
- Russborough House and Parklands – Located near Blessington, this Palladian estate is known for its extensive art collection, formal gardens, and rolling parkland walks.
If you are planning a walk along Saint Kevin’s Way, start early in the morning to secure a spot at the village car park and allow daylight for the initial ascent toward the Gap. The trail markers are clear, but carrying a physical copy of the Wicklow Film Trail map is a practical backup if phone signal drops in the valley.