Overview
Rathnew (Irish: Ráth Naoi, meaning the ringfort of Naoi) sits just inland from the Wicklow coast, roughly 45 minutes south of Dublin along the M11/N11 corridor. Despite its proximity to the capital and the main Dublin-to-Wexford route, the village retains a distinctly unhurried pace. Stone-walled homes, independent shops, and a strong sense of community give Rathnew the feel of a traditional Irish settlement, while its location makes it a practical staging post for the Wicklow Mountains and the east coast.
The village is best known for two neighbouring country estates that define its character: Tinakilly House, a Victorian mansion overlooking the Irish Sea, and Hunter’s Hotel, a 300-year-old coaching inn set along the River Vartry. Between local history, award-winning gardens, and straightforward access to coastal and mountain trails, Rathnew works equally well as a day-trip stop or a relaxed multi-night base.
History & Village Character
Rathnew’s origins trace back to early medieval times. Local genealogy links the name to Naoi, whose father was Sedna Siothbach, King of Leinster. The area saw Viking occupation, Anglo-Norman land shifts, and heavy involvement in the 1798 United Irish rebellion. John Murphy of nearby Knockrobbin helped organise the local United Irishmen, and the old graveyard still holds the remains of several rebel figures and parish priests.
The village’s most enduring nickname, “The Thatched City”, comes from the 1830s and 1840s. Following evictions from the Ashford estate and the hardships of the Great Famine, displaced farm labourers quickly erected mud-walled, reed-thatched cottages on common land. Neighbours built each other’s homes in just three days, resulting in the haphazard, tightly packed streetscape that locals still recognise today.
Community life remains central to Rathnew. The Corpus Christi Procession, first held in 1914, continues each August with decorated streets, local bands, and religious observances. Cultural traditions run deep through St Brigid’s Dramatic Society, the Rathnew Fife and Drum Band, and a strong sporting culture that spans GAA, soccer, and equestrian events. For visitors, stopping in a local pub or café offers a straightforward way to experience this living heritage.
Tinakilly House & Gardens
Tinakilly House stands just outside the village centre, set in 14 acres of wooded grounds that slope down toward the Broadlough Coastal Lagoon and the Irish Sea. Built in 1883, it was commissioned as the retirement home of Captain Robert Halpin, the engineer who commanded The Great Eastern and laid the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. Halpin’s maritime legacy is woven into the estate’s design, with sea-view windows and period features preserved throughout.
The Powers family acquired the property in the early 20th century and have maintained it ever since. The gardens are divided into distinct walks, including Foxes Wood, a rose garden, and a herb garden, all accessible for guests and event attendees. The estate operates as a country house hotel and wedding venue, with the Brunel Restaurant offering fine dining and afternoon tea. While the public dining programme runs seasonally (typically Friday and Saturday service in spring, with Sunday lunches and teas), the house remains open year-round for overnight guests and private functions. Bookings and seasonal menus are handled directly through the estate’s reception team.
Hunter’s Hotel & Dining
A short walk from Tinakilly, Hunter’s Hotel occupies a different slice of Rathnew’s history. Originally established as the Newrath Inn in the 1660s on the old Dublin-to-Waterford coaching route, the property has been run by the same family since John Hunter took the lease around 1825. Today, Richard and Tom Gelletlie continue that stewardship, operating the hotel from its original stone buildings set in two acres of mature gardens along the River Vartry.
The hotel retains much of its coaching-inn character: creaking floorboards, original fireplaces, and rooms that open onto flower borders and river views. It has been recognised by the Good Hotel Guide and holds a place in Ireland’s Blue Book. Dining is a daily fixture, with lunch served from 12:30pm and dinner from 7:00pm. Afternoon tea, full Irish breakfasts, and weekend specials are available, and bed-and-breakfast or dinner-break packages run throughout the year. The hotel’s location, just off the R761 and a few minutes from Ashford village, makes it a convenient stop for travellers heading along the east coast or into the mountains.
Walks & Nearby Attractions
Rathnew’s position between sea and mountain makes it a practical hub for day trips:
- Wicklow town – Just 3 km east, offering the harbour, Wicklow Gaol, and seafront walks.
- Glendalough – Ireland’s most famous monastic site, reached via the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Way long-distance trail begins nearby at Rathmore.
- Avondale House & Forest Park – Located 15 km south, this is the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, with extensive woodlands and marked walking routes.
- Mount Usher Gardens – A five-minute drive from Hunter’s Hotel, featuring formal terraces, a walled garden, and historic woodland walks.
- Brittas Bay – A broad sandy beach and nature reserve on the coast, ideal for a long walk after a morning in the village.
- Baltinglass – Further inland, known for its medieval abbey ruins, riverside trails, and connection to the Wicklow Way.
Most routes are well-signposted, and public footpaths connect the village to surrounding fields and forest edges. Local shops stock maps and walking gear, and both hotels can advise on trail conditions.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Rathnew is on the M11/N11 corridor. From Dublin, take Exit 15 for Ashford/Mount Usher. From Wexford/Rosslare, take Exit 16. The M11 links directly to the M50 and Dublin Airport.
- Public transport: Bus routes 133 and 184 run regularly from Dublin and Wicklow town, stopping in the village centre. The nearest rail station is Wicklow, two miles east.
- Parking: On-site parking is available for guests at both Tinakilly House and Hunter’s Hotel. Free public parking is located along the village main street and at Merrymeeting Shopping Centre.
- Contact & bookings:
- Hunter’s Hotel: +353 (0)404 40106 | reception@hunters.ie | www.hunters.ie
- Tinakilly House: Enquiries and seasonal dining reservations are handled via the estate’s official contact channels.
- What to pack: Wicklow weather shifts quickly, especially near the coast and in the mountains. Waterproof layers and sturdy shoes are advisable, even in summer.
Rathnew works best when approached at a relaxed pace. Allow time to walk the Tinakilly gardens, have lunch by the River Vartry, and step out onto the coastal paths before heading inland to Glendalough or the Wicklow Way.