In Arklow, you’ll find maritime history, a distinctive landmark and several walking routes of varying lengths. These themes offer different ways to plan your stay: you can get to know Arklow through its boatbuilding, lifeboat and fishing traditions, choose a route based on your preferred distance, or explore activities on the coast.
Maritime History and Townscape
The Arklow Heritage Museum in Arklow presents the town’s maritime history, with a particular focus on boatbuilding and lifeboat and fishing traditions. Together, these topics offer a glimpse of craftsmanship, rescue services and fishing. Anyone interested in these subjects will find a tangible way to explore Arklow’s maritime history here.
The Nineteen Arches Bridge is Ireland’s longest hand-built stone bridge. This stone arch bridge connects the southern, or main, part of Arklow with Ferrybank, the northern part of town. The bridge is therefore both a landmark of particular distinction and a link between two parts of the town. Its hand-built construction and its role in the town’s layout offer two different perspectives on the same landmark.
Walking Routes, Beach and Choosing a Route
Route length is a useful starting point when comparing the walking routes. The Arklow Riverwalk is 3 km long and starts at the edge of the Nineteen Arches Bridge and at the Bridge Hotel. The Arklow Loops Town Walk is 4.3 km long, is rated as an easy circular walk and passes Arklow Library. The walk takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The also easy Arklow South Beach Walk is just under 6 km long. You can choose between a shorter circular walk, a medium-length route with a stated walking time, and a longer beach route.
Arklow South Beach is a sandy stretch of coast near the town centre. Fishing, kitesurfing and kayaking are popular activities there. When planning the Arklow South Beach Walk, it is also worth considering access: a dated notice reported that construction work had significantly affected access. Check the current situation before setting off.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Two points of reference are given for getting there: Arklow is on the N11 and the Dublin–Rosslare railway line. If you’re planning to travel by train, check the current timetable for your travel dates. This lets you include the connection in your travel plans without assuming a particular departure time.
County Wicklow: More Culture and Scenery
County Wicklow also offers a distinct cultural and natural setting. In Glendalough, St Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for residents and tourists. These attractions add a focus on scenery and monastic history alongside Arklow’s maritime past.
A monastery stood in Kilmacurragh in the 7th century. A 21-hectare part of the former Kilmacurragh estate became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in 1996. Kilmacurragh’s Rhododendron Week takes place every year in April; check the specific dates before your trip. In the village of Ashford, Mount Usher Gardens in County Wicklow extend across 22 acres along the River Vartry and feature Robinsonian-style planting. Near Mount Usher, you can also explore the Avoca food market and its selection of artisan foods. The selection may change.
Discover more destinations: Ballyknockan, Enniskerry, Shillelagh, Kilmacanoge, Redcross, Newtownmountkennedy, Boystown, Brittas Bay.
For the wider travel guide: County Wicklow.
