Arklow’s newest taxi service offering car and 7-seater taxi services, at reasonable rates. Email: arklowtowncabs@yahoo.com Phone: 0402 33300 Additional Taxi's & Cabs Redcross - Finian Cabs (087) 315 2034 Arklow - Vale Cabs (087) 131 7310 Rathdrum - Mick Dunbar Bus & Cab Hire (087) 817 6630 Aughrim - Aughrim Cabs Sean Byrne (086) 4014250

When you need to get somewhere, let Martin Travel and Tours take you there. From weddings to airport trips, bus tours to local taxi runs and golf group outings, you’re covered. Coach, minibus, limousine and taxi service for Arklow and surrounding environs. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available for hire. Also available to book are once in a lifetime Bus Tours of Ireland by coach. Driven by an experienced driver, relax in comfort as the bus winds its way along Wicklow’s top attractions, or further afield through Ireland’s Ancient East or the Wild Atlantic Way. Open year round – call to arrange your requirement. Web: http://martinlynchtravelandtours.com/contact-us/ Email: martinlynchtravel@gmail.com Phone: 085 8589955 / 0402 33400 / 0402 33600

On the Sea Road in Arklow Town is Sweeney’s Garage and Taxi Hire, in operation for over 40 years. Offering motor repairs, fuel, car wash and puncture repairs as well as taxi services, this family run business, caters for all your motoring needs. Also available for taxi and minibus hire with variety of car sizes, 14-seater minibus and wheelchair vehicle all available for hire. Dublin airport runs are available. Call them to book arrange your transport needs. Airport runs available. Garage: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9.30 -1pm and 2pm -4pm Sunday closed Taxi Hire: 24 hours by arrangement Email: irenesween@gmail.com Phone: 0402 32461

There are a number of manned Tourist Office in the Arklow district which are convenient places to stop by if you are in need of some assistance with planning your visit to the area. You will find lots of books, brochures, maps, local info leaflets of attractions, activities and events. The staff members at each location will be able to assist with additional queries. Arklow: Parade Ground, Main Street, Arklow, Co Wicklow Open all year round: Monday – Friday 9.30am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm. Email : arklowtourism@gmail.com Phone: 0402 32484 Rathdrum: Market Square, Main Street, Rathdrum Open Year Round Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5pm Phone: 0404 46262 Avoca: The Courthouse, Main Street, Avoca, Co Wicklow Open Year Round Email: avocacourthouse@eircom.net Phone: 0402 35022 Aughrim: National Disabled Angling Facility, Rednagh Road, Aughrim, Co Wicklow. Call for opening times. Phone: 0402 36552 Web: www.aughrim.ie

If you are staying around the district and feel like ditching the car for a day, then come to Arklow for the day on one of these LocalLink bus services. This includes a Friday night services to Coolkenno serving some of the smaller villages along the way. Please check the website for all up-to-date timetables and fares information. Tinahely- Aughrim-Arklow - Route 1394 https://www.ringalink.ie/bus-services/bus-timetable/1394/ Laragh (Glendalough)-Rathdrum-Arklow – Route 1397a https://www.ringalink.ie/bus-services/bus-timetable/1397a/ Redcross to Arklow – Route 1406 https://www.ringalink.ie/bus-services/bus-timetable/1406/ Coolkenna-Tinahely-Aughrim-Woodenbridge-Arklow Route - R4975 https://www.ringalink.ie/bus-services/bus-timetable/4975

Hidden Valley Resort, situated on the banks of the Avonmore River in Rathdrum, is just 20km from Arklow and is a great option for a full day of fun activities for all the family. A “Day Pass” is available for those wishing to visit the park who are not staying overnight. Entry is €22.50 per child which includes unlimited use of playgrounds and includes 4 activities (choose between kayaking, bumper boats, paddle boats, mini golf, bungee trampolines, rock wall and water balls). It’s €12.50 per adult: includes 2 activities (choose between kayaking, bumper boats, paddle boats and mini golf). Please note, not all activities are available during low season so do check before you make plans. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Splash Valley Aqua Park is also situated onsite and can be booked separately. The Lakehouse Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlour is open daily for snacks and refreshments. Open: Open Daily during summer season. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Address: Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Web: http://www.splashvalley.ie/ Rathdrum, Email: info@irelandholidaypark.com Co Wicklow. Phone: 086 727 2872

Splash Valley Aqua Park, located at Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum is just 20km from Arklow and is sure to be on the top of the list for adventurous kids! Positioned on a man-made lake with water flowing through from the Avonmore River, Splash Valley is Ireland’s newest & largest Aqua Park with over 30 obstacles and 1,800 square metres to conquer! Splash Valley is open to both campers and day-visitors, and sessions last one hour - 10-minute safety briefing and 50 minutes on the water. If you’re looking for fantastic fun for the whole family from ages 7 plus, this is for you! If you are not taking part, enjoy the fun from the 360-degree viewing platform with a coffee or ice cream from the onsite café. Open: Open Daily during summer season. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Address: Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow. Address: Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Web: http://www.splashvalley.ie/ Rathdrum, Email: info@irelandholidaypark.com Co Wicklow. Phone: 086 727 2872

Avondale Forest Park, on the outskirts of Rathdrum, is situated 18km from Arklow. The impressive Avondale House, dating from the 1770’s, was in the ownership of the Parnell family in the 1800’s and was the birthplace of the great Irish statesman, Charles Stewart Parnell. The state purchased Avondale in 1904 and its magnificent 505-acre estate. Many tree species were planted and trialled for the first time in experimental plots, laid out along the lines of a continental forest garden, which are still visible today along the majestic sweeping lawn known as the ‘Great Ride’. A highlight of visiting Avondale is to explore the vast expanse of the ‘Great Ride, through majestic stands of Sequoia, Spruce and broadleaves and down along to the steep-sided river valley. Today, the Forest Park provides a network of trails for walking and family cycling of varying lengths. Keep an eye out for the Park wildlife including red squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, and a wide variety of birds including woodpeckers. The River Walk / White Route (5.2 km, Graded Moderate): This is the longest walk at Avondale with a couple of sections with steep descents and climbs. Walking alongside the Avonmore River you pass under two railway bridges, still used today. There is a lot of interest on this trail as it meanders alongside the river views. Further up the hill you can visit ‘Lovers Leap’ and enjoy wonderful views out over the valley. Exotic Tree Trail / Red Route (2 kms, Graded Easy): On the Exotic Tree Trail you will meet trees from many corners of the world that have taken happily to the Irish Environment. This looped trail guides you through a Eucalyptus grove, by some immense Western Red Cedars, under the Giant Sequoia, and through Silver Fir and Monkey Puzzles, amongst others. Dotted along the route are interpretive panels with more information about the trees. Railway Walk (2 kms each way, Graded Easy): This is a linear walk to Rathdrum railway station and town centre, through the woods from Avondale House. Leisure Cycling Trail (1.5kms, Graded Easy): Avondale is a perfect destination for family cycling This is a dual purpose (walking and cycling trail) please respect walkers during your cycle. Orienteering Routes: There are 3 permanent orienteering courses (short, medium, and long courses) with course. Avondale House is currently closed pending a significant re-development by Coillte, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and Wicklow County Council. An exciting new visitor destination will take visitors ‘under’ and through the trees, to an incredible viewpoint high over the Avonmore river valley. A new ‘living history’ experience in Avondale House will open the life and times of Parnell to visitors in a highly engaging way. In advance of the re-development, Avondale House and Café will not be open but the wider Forest Park remains open every day. Stay tuned! Parking: Carpark onsite – take note of seasonal opening times as you enter as the gate will automatically lock at closing time (free parking currently) Toilets: Public toilet block onsite. Disabled toilets are not available at the Park currently. Picnic Site: Tables are provided near the trailhead with BBQ grills. Grade: Easy to Moderate. Some areas suitable for Wheelchair users. Robust buggies will cope with most routes except the Riverwalk. Small children’s playground onsite.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, near Glenmalure and just 23km from Arklow Town, is an oasis of tranquility and beauty. Shekina Sculpture Garden is a one-acre garden which slopes down to the Avonbeg River. The river feeds a stream which flows along two sides of the garden, providing water for two split level ponds. Walk freely amongst the chimes, arches, alcoves and along the Zen Spiral Walkway. Enjoy a break on the patio, in the gazebo or on one of the many seating areas, by mature shrub beds and undulating lawns. Dotted around the garden is a unique collection of 15 modern sculptures by Irish artists – Michael Casey, Fred Conlon, Cliodna Cussen, James Gannon, Leo Higgins, Anne Murphy, Paul Page, Noel Scullion, Alexander Sokolov, Imogen Stuart, Ken Thompson, Alexandra Wejchert, Elke Weston. Several have called it a modern ‘Sacred Space’. It can be a haven for the senses, where: sights of varying shapes and colours that change with the seasons can be perceived; where sounds of birds, animals and water gushing or trickling can be heard; where the texture of shrubs or sculptures, be they wood, iron, stainless steel, stone, bronze, enamel, glass can be felt; where the subtlety of smells and taste buds can be sensed, thus enhancing a holistic and delight-filled experience. The garden is suitable art lovers and garden enthusiasts as well as for individuals or groups (5-20) who want to spend a reflective day in a beauty-filled setting. Picnics are welcomed. Opening Times: Open 11am to 5.30pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May to Sept. Please phone ahead. Address: Glenmalure Valley, Web: http://www.shekinasculpturegarden.com// Rathdrum, Email: catherinemccann42@gmail.com Co Wicklow. Phone: 086 856 9106, 0404 46128

Gleeson’s Holiday Park is family-owned and run site situated in a scenic coastal spot on the Wicklow- Wexford border and overlooking Clogga Bay, just a few kilometres south of Arklow Town. The park features 83 mobile home serviced sites for private use. Gleeson’s is an idyllic location for holidays and weekends away, providing the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. The park itself offers spectacular views across Clogga Bay with a private entrance to the sandy beach, and tennis courts, playground, games room and 9-hole par 3 pitch and putt onsite. Enjoy lots of outdoor activities nearby - sea angling, kayaking, mountain biking, trail walks are all on the doorstep and Tick-Tock Activity Farm is nearby for younger holiday makers. Open: April to October Address: Gleeson’s Holiday- Web: http://gleesonsholidaypark.ie/ Park Askintinny, Email: info@gleesonsholidaypark.ie Arklow, Tel: 0402 31236 Co. Wicklow.

An Ciseán Aráin, from the Irish for ‘The Bread Basket’, is small family run bakery and confectionery, operating since 1989 in Arklow. Just the aroma as you pass by is enough to entice you to pop and to pick up a yummy take-away sweet treat, or a larger cake for a special occasion or family sharing dessert. All produce is made in the bakery every night to ensure maximum freshness. Baked daily are traditional brown, white and fruit soda breads, griddle bread, rock bun, scones, crusty batch bread, turnovers, cob, bloomers, cottage, Vienna, a large selection of pastries as well as fresh cream and butter cream cakes and buns. Celebration cakes are a speciality so if you need a cake for a Birthday, Christening, Wedding, Christmas, or a novelty children’s or adult’s cake, drop into An Ciseán Aráin – they only need 24 hours notice! Morning Goods available include fruit log, almond ring, bunch buns, Austrian stollen. They also make both shortcrust, puff pastry, apple tarts not forgetting the yummy chocolate, apple and jam doughnuts! Roulades, black forest gateau, filled flans, fresh cream sandwich, fresh cream and jam Victoria, large fresh cream choux ring and apple and cream domes are just some of their delicious desserts! Address: Lower Main Street, Email: anciseanarain@gmail.com Arklow, Tel: 0402 31396 Co. Wicklow.

Clara Lara FunPark is a fabulous natural outdoor adventure park with acres of fun for the whole family, in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, just 25km from Arklow! Clara Lara is the place to come for a day away from the world of screens. Children can play outdoors, run around, use their imagination, stretch their physical fitness, and not notice time going by. This is the perfect getaway for families from a busy bustling world. Clara Lara FunPark is the ultimate escape to the wilderness. Kids will love plunging into the lake from the swing ropes and raft, rowing across the shallow lake, zip-lining, sliding from the tree house and climbing on the pirate ship and the bravest will enjoy the Aqua Shuttle water slide! The park is suitable for young families, however older children are welcome to visit with their younger siblings. Clara Lara is a full day out – bring your picnic or come prepared with you charcoal and BBQ pack and make use of the one of the many BBQ areas provided. If you don’t fancy cooking the Café offers a good range of hot food options, sweet treats, and coffees. Open: Open weekends in May. Open daily June to Sept 10.30am- 6pm. Address: Knockrath, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow Web: www.claralara.ie Email dayout@claralara.com Phone: 0404 46161