The Avoca Gallery is an exhibition space, artist studio and home to Avoca Painting School, located 10km from Arklow on the main road (R752) from Rathdrum to Avoca, near the Meetings of the Waters. Resident artist Rod Coyne shows a vast selection of his paintings and canvas prints here. You can meet the artist; view works in progress or peruse various gift ideas available. There is also an extensive online shop and offer free shipping. Interested in learning how to paint? Receive professional tuition in acrylic and oil painting and drawing from highly experienced, practicing artist Rod Coyne. Studio art classes, outdoor painting workshops, demonstrations and painting vacations are on offer, with an informal atmosphere in the “Garden of Ireland”. Painting class locations include Glendalough, Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, and the Meetings of the Waters. Services are designed for visiting tourists as much as locally based people with a creative urge. The Avoca Painting School can also provide tuition and demonstration at your art group’s location. From absolute beginners to experienced painters – It is an ideal chance if you have dabbled and want to learn a few more techniques. Enjoy the process and see your surroundings with new eyes. Open weekends 12pm – 5.30pm and by appointment Knockanode, Web: http://avocagallery.ie/​ Avoca, Email: rod@avocagallery.ie Co Wicklow. Phone: 402 35555

We are famous in Ireland for our love of 99’s! If you don’t know, a 99 is a soft whip ice cream cone served with a stick of chocolate flake, and sometimes a flavoured syrup and sugar sprinkles! Here are some of the best spots to pick up a delicious ice cream in Arklow! Kavanagh’s Newsagent: Every day is an ice cream day at Kavanaghs of the Wexford Road! Renowned for their delicious, whipped ice cream, with well-known national celebrities singing their praises, Kavanagh’s like to think they have the best ice cream in town - but that's up to you to judge! What is certain is you will find delicious ice cream available with a variety of your favourite toppings. Treat yourself to a Karen Special, where you get two chocolate flakes, but one is hidden! Or the Paddy Twist (that one is a surprise!) Or indulge in a Arklow Tradition on St. Patrick’s Day and a Póg mo Cóne! Kavanagh's, on the Wexford Road in Arklow, has been trading since 1984 and is known as a leading newsagent with a huge range of magazine titles. They’ve been a Lotto agent since the National Lottery commenced in 1987, and once sold a €3.4million ticket a few years back. It could be YOU! They also stock Bord Na Mona briquettes; coal, blocks and gas, as well as everyday grocery, gift cards and newspapers. Phone: 0402 39364 Sweet Memories: This quaint shop not only serves delicious, Angelito whipped ice cream, with all your favourite toppings and syrups, but also has an amazing range of every sweet you could imagine! There are lots of old favourites here – sweet peanuts, rosy apples and rhubarb & custard to name but a few. Personalised sweet bags are made up to order or just pick ‘n mix your favourites. Sweet Memories, on Lower Main Street, is a shop the kids, big and little, will not want to miss while in Arklow! Phone: 0402 39444 The Chocolate Shop Another Arklow favourite is The Chocolate Shop on Upper Main Street. Here you’ll find whipped ice cream cones with a great choice of toppings and sauces. The Chocolate Shop will also take care of your sweet tooth needs, with a big range of loose and bagged sweets to choose from! Also stocking newspapers, lotto and basic groceries. Phone: 0402 39072 Paul Doyle’s Newsagents Another great spot to stop in for a traditional 99, with a dollop of friendly service, is Paul Doyle’s on Main Street! Just a stone’s throw from the River Walk, why not pop in for a refuel before you head down for a stroll by the water. The shop also has newspapers, lotto, drinks & sweets and stocks some toys also. 8 Main Street, Phone: 0402 33632 Arklow County Wicklow. Copeland’s Centra The Moo’d Ice Cream Bar at Copeland’s Centre at Ferrybank is a must stop if you’re after a large tub of creamy whipped ice cream, with a choice of lots of different toppings and sauces! Mini marshmallows, honeycomb nuggets, mini-Smarties and white choc chips to name but a few! Moo’d Ice cream combine the best Irish dairy and Italian ingredients, steering clear of the vegetable and palm oils that could take from the creaminess of the Whipped Irish Ice Cream, and using natural flavours as much as possible. They also do a great 99! Centra also has and ATM machine, off license, grocery, and hot deli. Phone: 0402 41962 Bad Ass Coffee House Just in time for Summer 2021, The Bad Ass Coffee House at the Arklow Bay Hotel has opened! Located in the lovely surrounds of the Bay Gardens to the front of the hotel and overlooking the Arklow Nature Reserve, it’s a perfect spot for a pit stop if you are out and about enjoy the walks in this area. Drop in to sample one of the delicious Glenown Farm Ice Creams they have on offer. Also serving sweet treats and Grumpy Mule coffee, sure to give you a kick start! Phone: 0402 26200

Clogga Caravan Park is adjacent to Clogga Bay just a few kilometres south of Arklow Town, with beautiful sweeping views of the coastline of South Wicklow and North Wexford. Clogga Caravan Park has its own private access to Clogga beach which is open for residents only. The park owners take pride in running events right through the Summer for the park community. The park itself offers a quite retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but if you would like to venture further then there are many interesting things to see and things to do around County Wicklow. Nearby are some of the best golf courses on the South East Coast of Ireland, the closest being the links course at Arklow Golf Club. Open: contact the park Address: Clogga Bay, Email: info@clogga.ie Arklow, Tel: +353 40232 Co. Wicklow.

Enjoy a truly unique experience where together with your donkey companion you will discover the incredible beauty of this part of County Wicklow. Your experience begins at Clissmann Horse Caravans, situated in the Clare Vale just 30km from Arklow Town. Choose from a 4 night or 7-night walking tour package where together with a friendly donkey you can walk a looped circuit and explore the Irish countryside. Wandering along quiet country roads and forest paths you’ll travel from village to village and overnight at a selection of welcoming Bed and Breakfasts and Country Hotels. With a pannier on his back, your donkey can carry 15 kilos and cover approximately 10 to 15km a day. This is a wonderful experience for the solo traveller looking for some company en-route. Open May to September. Contact to check availability and book. Address: Clissmann Horse Caravans Web: www.clissmannhorsecaravans.com Cronybyrne, Rathdrum, Email: info@clissmannhorsecaravans.com County Wicklow. Phone: 0404 46920

River Valley is a multi-award-winning holiday park, with a family-friendly atmosphere, situated in the quite village of Redcross. Nestled in a stunningly beautiful part of County Wicklow, River Valley is the perfect choice if you’re seeking a family camping holiday with fun and activities, or a couple seeking a holiday with a little bit of peace and quiet (there is an adult only camping area!). Or why not try a break away in one of the quirky accommodation options such the Treehouses or Glampotel or self-catering in your own mobile home on the campsite! For Campers, the family section of the park is divided into two different areas. Within these areas you can choose from hard sites with electricity and grass sites with electricity. The modern toilet and shower block is heated and tiled, and includes a laundry room, camper’s kitchen, and disabled bathroom. Area 1: Young Dreamers Area. A quiet zone suitable for families with small kids, there is no excessive noise after 10pm in this area. Area 2: Family Camping Area. This area is suitable for families with older kids where there is no excessive noise after 11pm. For Adults only, The Secret Garden is beautifully landscaped with plenty of trees, shrubs and flowers and is focused on peace, comfort, and relaxation. The Secret Garden offers hard-standing sites with electric, water and grey waste and grass sites with electricity and access to the campers’ kitchen. The luxurious toilet and shower block is centrally heated and has wheelchair access. The Secret garden is adjacent to a 1.5km scenic walk with spectacular views of Brittas bay and the Wicklow Mountains when you reach the top. On route you pass the orchard and see the deer and animals grazing in the meadow. Dogs can use this walk too but must be kept on a lead. Dogs are allowed in the Secret Garden adult camping area all season long as well. River Valley Holiday Park offers many activities such as Archery, Airsoft shooting, Crazy Golf, Tennis, Badminton, Footgolf, Remote controlled cars and boats, and New for June 2021 Ireland's first Electric Go Kart track! On site there is a Micro-Brewery where you can sample nine different beers. Also, adjacent, you can avail of some fine pub grub in Mickey Finns, or a Take-away from the traditional fish and chips shop, and you can snuggle in beside an open fire and enjoy the musical entertainment (traditional, jazz etc) that Mickey Finns has to offer, and all on the doorstep with no driving involved! Open March to October Address: Main Street, Web: https://www.rivervalleypark.ie/camping/ Redcross, Email: info@rivervalleypark.ie Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0404 41647

River Valley is a multi-award-winning holiday park, with a family-friendly atmosphere, situated in the quite village of Redcross. Nestled in this stunningly beautiful part of County Wicklow, River Valley is the perfect choice if you’re seeking a family camping holiday with fun and activities, or a couple seeking a holiday with a little bit of peace and quiet (there is an adult only camping area!). Or why not try a break away in one of the quirky accommodation options such the Treehouses or Glampotel or self-catering in your own mobile home on the campsite! For Glampers, there are a number of great options – for a truly unique experience book into the Glamping Treehouses which can accommodate up to 6 people. Or if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the Kukoo Hut or a Micro-Lodge is good for four people or a Maxi-Lodge for up to 5 people. Each of the glamping options comes with a picnic table, small fridge, kettle, microwave, lights, and heater. If you are glamping, you must supply your own sleeping equipment such as pillows, sleeping bags, linens, duvets, and towels. There are NO bathrooms or kitchens in the glamping lodges. The amenity block is just a short walk away, which provides toilets, showers, sinks, laundry, and camper’s kitchen. For a luxury Glamping experience stay in Ireland’s first Glampotel, opened in 2019. Best described as a crossover between a boutique hotel and luxury Glamping, it promises all the luxuries of a hotel in a unique layout and setting. A gorgeous outdoor space includes a decking, barbecue, and outdoor seating. Enter inside and downstairs the space is made up with a double bedroom, shower room and toilet, dining area and kitchenette. Upstairs a bespoke mezzanine has three full size single beds. River Valley Holiday Park offers many activities such as Archery, Airsoft shooting, Crazy Golf, Tennis, Badminton, Footgolf, Remote controlled cars and boats, and New for June 2021 Ireland's first Electric Go Kart track! On site there is a Micro-Brewery where you can sample nine different beers. Also, adjacent, you can avail of some fine pub grub in Mickey Finns, or a Take-away from the traditional fish and chips shop, and you can snuggle in beside an open fire and enjoy the musical entertainment (traditional, jazz etc) that Mickey Finns has to offer, and all on the doorstep with no driving involved! Open March to October Address: Main Street, Web: https://www.rivervalleypark.ie/glamping/ Redcross, Email: info@rivervalleypark.ie Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0404 41647

If you love music, you will be absolutely fascinated, and could spend hours, flicking through the albums in their racks, and browsing the shelves at Beat That Records, on Main Street, Arklow! This specialised music store is ideal for collectors or lovers of music – you never know what you might come across! Owner James Charlton’s first 7” purchase was The Jam’s ‘Beat Surrender’, hence the name of the shop, and its logo’s nod towards Paul Weller & Co.’s record label, Polydor! Music titles range from Cannibal Corpse’s Gallery of Suicide and Bruce Springsteen’s The River to Iggy Pop’s The Idiot and the original pressing of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders from Mars! There are also a wide range of books in store. Pop in and take a look through the thousands of quality used vinyl records in stock, LPs and 7" singles, covering most genres. Also in stock is a large selection of used CDs with new stock hitting the shelves all the time. Enjoy! 32 Main Street, Phone: 087 190 4247 Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Plain & Pearl is one of Ireland's largest wool shops, stocking JC Brett, King Cole, Rico, Stylecrarf, Robin, Wendy and many more. Owner, Julie will be delighted to show you around and recommend wool for your requirements. Also stocking knitting and crochet needles, many patterns and lots of craft accessories. 87 Lower Main Street, Web: http://www.plainandpearl.com/ Arklow, Phone: 0402 24707 Co Wicklow.

There is something special about donkeys! How could you not love those long fluffy ears, gentle eyes, shaggy coat, and cheeky character? Your experience begins at Clissmann Horse Caravans, situated in the Clare Vale just 30km from Arklow Town and lasts for 2 hours. Enjoy an unforgettable donkey experience in the peaceful setting of this family farm in Wicklow. You will spend some time grooming and brushing your donkey, getting to know each other a little and slowly build trust and a friendly bond. Donkeys are very social animals who love cuddles and a good massage with a brush! Then off you’ll go for your tour! The walk is fairly easy with a mixture of road and forest path with lots of time for hugs, kisses, selfies and photos with the donkeys and some beautiful views to enjoy too. Open May to September. Contact to check availability and book. Address: Clissmann Horse Caravans Web: www.clissmannhorsecaravans.com Cronybyrne, Rathdrum, Email: info@clissmannhorsecaravans.com County Wicklow. Phone: 0404 46920

Established in 1994 by the Byrne family, Moneylands Farm complex is perched overlooking the Irish Sea and is surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands. This idyllic setting offers a cosy, inspiring and peaceful atmosphere to unwind, reconnect and create memories. There are several styles of accommodation available, giving great choice for couples, families, or groups, with Farm B&B, self-catering apartments, premium villas, and motorhome bays. Looking for a quiet and relaxed motor home pitch? Moneylands Farm Complex offers overnight Parking for Motorhomes all year round. Arklow town is only a short walk away yet you will be able to experience the tranquillity of South Wicklow's beautiful countryside. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast or mouth-watering lunch in the beautiful 'The Broken Chair Cafe' onsite. Facilities include Fresh Water, Chemical Toilet Disposal, Grey Water Disposal, Toilets and Showers (additional fee). Open Year Round Address: Moneylands Farm, Web: https://www.moneylandsfarm.com/motorhomes Arklow, Email: moneylandsbnb@gmail.com Co Wicklow. Tel: 0402 32259

Established in 1994 by the Byrne family, Moneylands Farm complex is perched overlooking the Irish Sea and is surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands. This idyllic setting offers a cosy, inspiring and peaceful atmosphere to unwind, reconnect and create memories. There are several styles of accommodation available, giving great choice for couples, families, or groups, with Farm B&B, self-catering apartments, premium villas, and motorhome bays. Looking for the perfect couple’s retreat? Three luxury glamping villas aka 'The View @ Moneylands' are the newest addition (est. 2018) to the complex and offer the highest level of comfort and privacy to guests. Each villa gives you an unrestricted view over Arklow and the Irish Sea. A delicious breakfast in the beautiful 'Broken Chair Cafe' can be booked separately. Each villa features a bedroom, flat-screen TV with satellite channels and Netflix, an equipped kitchenette with a microwave, fridge and Nespresso machine, and bathroom with a Rain Head shower. There is also a barbecue and a terrace with each unit so you can make the most of those summer evenings! Open Year Round Address: Moneylands Farm Web: www.moneylandsfarm.com/copy-of-self-catering Arklow, Email: moneylandsbnb@gmail.com Co Wicklow. Tel: 0402 32259

Clissmann Horse Caravans are based in the stunning Clara Vale, 30km from Arklow, are offer you a truly unique holiday experience where for 3 nights you can pack up and travel with your Horse Caravan on quiet routes stretching through the Valley. Clip clopping along, you will be surrounded by the peaceful and charming green Wicklow countryside which features wild valleys, clear rivers, mature woodlands, roads hugged by a canopy of trees, picturesque old stone bridges and traditional Irish cottages. This is a holiday where you form a strong bond with your horse companion, indulge in your childhood fantasies, splash around in wellies and toast marshmallows, and sing around the campfire. The 3-night horse caravan adventure is suitable for everyone - over 70% of new visitors have no horse experience at all. Your horse caravan is well equipped to give you all the necessary comforts for your trip and yet light enough for one horse to pull. The caravans are approx. 5m long and 2m wide allowing for cosy daytime seating and night-time sleeping accommodation for 4-5 (two double-beds and a bunk bed suitable for children). Open May to September. Contact to check availability and book. Address: Clissmann Horse Caravans Web: www.clissmannhorsecaravans.com Cronybyrne, Rathdrum, Email: info@clissmannhorsecaravans.com County Wicklow. Phone: 0404 46920