Overview
Rathnew (Irish: Ráth an Nua) is a picturesque village in County Wicklow, perched just south of Dublin along the M11/N11. Its main street is lined with stone‑walled homes, local shops, pubs and community facilities, giving the settlement the affectionate nickname “Thatched City”. Only a short drive from the coastal town of Wickland and the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Rathnew is an ideal, relaxed base for exploring the “Garden County”.
Nestled in the woodlands between Rathnew and Wicklow town lies Tinakilly House, a Victorian country mansion set on 14 acres of landscaped gardens that tumble down to the Irish Sea and Broadlough Coastal Lagoon. The estate combines historic grandeur with modern comforts, offering everything from romantic get‑aways to award‑winning weddings.
History / Background
Rathnew
The village’s origins reach back to early medieval times. Local legend says it was founded by Naoi, a descendant of the Leinster kings, and the name derives from the Irish rath (fort) of Naoi. Over the centuries Rathnew endured Viking raids, Anglo‑Norman land‑ownership changes and the turbulence of the 1798 rebellion. The Great Famine of the 1840s saw families erect quickly‑built thatched cottages on common land, giving rise to the enduring nickname “Thatched City”.
Key historic landmarks include:
- Tinakilly House – built in 1883 for Captain Robert Halpin, the engineer who laid 26,000 miles of trans‑Atlantic telegraph cable.
- Hunter’s Hotel (originally the Newrath Inn, dating to the 1660s) – once hosted Sir Walter Scott.
- Rathnew Brickworks (1860s‑1915) – the area’s first non‑agricultural industry.
- Rathnew Fife and Drum Band and St Brigid’s Dramatic Society, pillars of the village’s cultural life.
- The Corpus Christi Procession, first held in 1914, still draws crowds each August.
Tinakilly House
Commissioned by the British government in 1883, Tinakilly was the coastal residence of Captain Robert Halpin, famed for commanding The Great Eastern and laying the 1866 trans‑Atlantic telegraph cable. In the early 20th century the Powers family purchased the house, restored its Victorian splendour and opened the gardens to the public. The present generation of the Powers family continues to run the estate, preserving original features such as the oak‑lined avenue, four‑poster beds and the Captain’s Suite with sea‑view windows.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Tinakilly Country House | Victorian mansion with sea‑overlooking gardens; offers afternoon tea, fine dining at the two‑AA‑rosette Brunel Restaurant, and elegant wedding venues. |
| Hunter’s Hotel | Historic coaching inn set in two acres of award‑winning gardens along the River Vartry; rooms retain original charm. |
| Wicklow Way & Glendalough | Starting near Rathmore, the Wicklow Way provides access to mountain trails and the monastic site at Glendalough. |
| Avondale House & Forest Park | Birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, 15 km from Rathnew, with extensive woodlands and walking routes. |
| The Gardens at Tinakilly | 19th‑century pleasure grounds with distinct walks – Foxes Wood, Badger Walk, rose garden, herb garden – plus a tennis court and croquet lawn. |
| Sea Views | From the Captain Suites you can gaze across the Irish Sea to Broadlough Lagoon, perfect for sunrise coffee or evening wine. |
| Leisure Facilities | Lift access to all floors, free on‑site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas and a cosy hotel bar. |
Getting There & Parking
Rathnew is easily reached by car via the M11/N11. Regular bus services run from Dublin (bus routes 133 and 184) and from Wicklow town, stopping in the village centre. Both Tinakilly House and Hunter’s Hotel provide on‑site parking for guests; free public parking is also available on the village’s main street. [Fact‑check needed: exact parking capacities and any charges].
Events & Seasonal Highlights
Rathnew hosts a number of community events throughout the year, most notably the Corpus Christi Procession each August, which draws visitors from across the county. Local pubs often feature traditional music sessions, and the village hall runs seasonal craft fairs. [Web research required to confirm dates and any additional festivals].
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Rathnew
If you have extra time, consider visiting these nearby Wicklow highlights:
- Baltinglass – a historic village with a 12th‑century abbey and scenic riverside walks.
- Ashford Village and Mount Usher Gardens – a short drive north, offering formal gardens and a historic house.
- Brittas Bay – a popular sandy beach on the east coast, ideal for a seaside stroll after a garden walk.
Practical Information
- Accommodation & Events: Tinakilly operates year‑round for overnight stays and private events. The venue has won awards such as 2021 Wedding Venue of the Year (Wicklow) and 2020 Country House Hotel of the Year (Leinster).
- Dining Programme: In March and April the house opens for Friday and Saturday service – Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner and Bed & Breakfast. Sundays feature Lunch and Afternoon Tea. Outside this period the restaurant remains open for private functions and guests can arrange meals by contacting reception.
- Contact: For reservations, event enquiries or exact opening times, visitors should contact Tinakilly directly via their website or phone (details on the Tinakilly Country House page).
- Getting There: Rathnew is easily reached by car via the M11/N11, with regular bus services from Dublin and Wicklow town. Parking is available at both Tinakilly and Hunter’s Hotel.
- Local Amenities: The village offers a selection of shops, pubs, a post office and community centre, making it convenient for a short stay or a day‑trip base.
Whether you are tracing medieval roots, strolling through sea‑kissed gardens or setting off on a mountain hike, Rathnew and Tinakilly House together showcase the best of County Wicklow’s natural beauty and historic charm.