There are many places of interest dotted around Arklow and the surrounding area hold importance in our history. Many are lost to the past now but are interesting to read about and it may be possible to visit and admire some of these places still, or what remains of them. Some of these are: Lamberton House: This was the Gate Lodge of the Glenart Estate, built in 1898, and is now in use as a house. The building was constructed in squared rock-faced granite with smooth granite dressings. Directly above the door is a monogrammed inscription stone dated 1898. In years gone by, the grounds of this house were the site of a cock-fighting stadium. St. Saviour’s Church of Ireland: This church was built in 1899 by the 5th Earl of Carysfort and designed by the architect Sir. Arthur Bloomfield. Prior to this the protestant church had been located on Main Street, but the wealthy Glenart resident intended the building to take religion off the streets of Arklow. Shelton Abbey: A few kilometres outside of Arklow, in the parish of Kilbride, Shelton Abbey was once the ancestral seat of the Earls of Wicklow. The original house dates from the 1770’s and it was refurbished by the architect Morrison in 1819, who between himself and his son, also designed Killruddery House in Bray and nearby Castle Howard. Shelton Abbey has an extension to the main house called “the nunnery” which housed the nine daughters of one of the Earls of Wicklow. In 1960, King James is said to have sheltered in Shelton after fleeing the battle of the Boyne and there was a road going through the estate called “King James Road”. One of the Earls, who travelled extensively in Europe, gathered quite a collection of paintings by famous artists including some by Durer and Vernier. Much remains of the outside of the building which was built in the Gothic Romantic style and renovations to the interior original ceilings and walls have taken place in recent years. Records show that in 1942 there was 1,700 acres of ‘Rough Shooting’ on Shelton Abbey Estate and the grounds are reputed to contain, some of the most mature beech and chestnut trees on the island of Ireland. In 1951 financial difficulties forced William Howard, 8th Earl of Wicklow to sell the estate to the Irish State. For a while, Shelton was used by the state as a residential forestry training facility, and subsequent, from the 1970s, as an open prison for males who are regarded as requiring lower levels of security. Access to the building or grounds is not normally possible, however once a year the Governor, staff and residents of Shelton Abbey host an open day for the general public where they showcase their extensive gardens, home grown produce and sell home crafted and grown items in aid of local charities. Glenart Castle St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s, Catholic Church: The first Catholic church erected on this site on Main Street Arklow was in 1811 - a single storied, thatched and mud-walled building. By 1850 the church was too small, and an appeal was made to build a chapel. The new church was built in 1859, designed by Patrick Byrne, an architect who was responsible for designing St. Paul’s in Arran Quay which has similar features. He was influenced by the ‘Pugin’ Gothic revival style which is found in churches and cathedrals throughout Ireland including Cobh Cathedral. The striking ceiling was completed by Italian artisans and represents the four evangelists. The fine Carrera marble altar and stained-glass window of the Passion were presented as memorials by a local business family in the 1860’s. There are at least three burials of local priests in the floor. Within the cupola there is a bronze bell dedicated to Rev John Redmond who presided over the main construction phase of the church. The bell depicts a relief showing scenes from the life of St Patrick. For the last 180 years the church has been a focal point for Arklow and its Roman Catholic community.

Right in the middle of Main Street Arklow, you’ll find the family-run Outsider Bar, Lounge & Restaurant. The Outsider is a customer focused pub, where the owners want you to laugh and enjoy yourselves and feel at home when you visit. Serving traditional hearty bar food and all-day breakfast, with life sports shown on several TVs through-out, there is always a lively atmosphere here with a bit of craic! Pool tables and several dart boards are also provided for customers. Live music and karaoke often feature at the weekends. Picnic tables are provided in the pleasant beer garden to the rear, which overlooks the River Avoca. Parking available on Main Street or to the rear along the Riverwalk. Open. Until til late, nightly. Address: 49 Main St Web: Johndavo484@gmail.com Arklow, Tel: 0402 32786 Co Wicklow.

Lady’s Well was situated near Arklow Rock and near to a church called Chapel Hogan. It is commonly known as The Grotto and in the past, it was traditional for people from the fisheries part of Arklow town to visit the well every year on 25th March. They would come to drink some water, say three hail Mary’s and carry home some water to drink, and would also tie a piece of cloth on a small sceach thorn bush which grows by the well. This practice continues to this day even though the ‘grotto’ is now in the middle of the Roadstone Quarry site. The Quarry owners have maintained access to the site with provision of paths, but care is needed due to the heavy machinery in use in the area. The 25th of March is still observed and according to locals the Rosary is said here every Sunday. St. Patrick’s Well is situated nearby in a field on the left-hand side of the Rock Road (coming from Arklow). An ancient mass path runs across the rock, about 150 yards from the seashore. This Mass pass was used by the people who lived near or on Clogga Strand, apparently to reach Chapel Logan, and later to Arklow Church, Midway along this path will be found St. Patrick's Well. It is now overgrown and not well visited by local people. The Mass path as it approaches Clogga Strand was called the "Priest's Gate'. A steep cliff, now washed by the sea, cuts off approach to this Gate, at the Clogga Strand entrance. Local tradition explains the meaning of Priests' Gate in the following manner. It is said that a priest, chased by yeomen in '98, galloped by the Mass path towards Clogga Strand. When he came to the cliff at the bottom of the path, he jumped his horse the twenty feet drop to the strand, and so escaped his bloodthirsty pursuers. St. Iber’s Well was also situated near the Arklow Rock towards Clogga in a field in Moncrief’s townland, near an ancient graveyard believed to be a site of a monastery founded by an early Danish convert to Christianity. This well doesn’t appear to have been visited by the people of Arklow for quite some time.

Conveniently located on Main Street in the heart of Arklow, you will be more than happy with the friendly atmosphere and comfortable setting awaiting you on your visit to Darcy McGee’s. The raised veranda overlooking the River Avoca is a perfect spot to enjoy those long summer evenings. Why not choose a delicious cocktail from the Darcy’s menu. “From the time you step into D’Arcy McGees the whole premises is just mindboggling. There is a fabulous raised area with a fireplace on your right and we found that this was proving popular with Mums and tots, and we were delighted to observe that the children were well supervised.” – Pub Spy, Sunday World. Parking is available out the front on Main Street. Open: Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 1230am. Sunday 12.30pm to 11.30pm Address: Main Street, Web: info@bngroup.ie Arklow, Tel: 0402 91556 Co Wicklow.

A short drive north of Arklow on the N11, close to Brittas Bay, is Jack Whites Inn serving hearty food in the traditional Irish way, in a warm, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The name Jack White’s is derived from the infamous character who was not unknown to land and import goods at Jack’s Hole at nearby Brittas Bay. Jack Whites has a unique character, full of history and atmosphere. The pub features cosy snugs and welcoming fires. Here you will find a tradition of hospitality maintained in homely and relaxed surroundings. The extensive dining area is light and airy and is popular year round. A Mini-bus service is available to book which will drop you back to your accommodation, if you wish to enjoy a couple of drinks. Outside is the ‘Jack in A Box’ take-away food truck with hot drinks and snacks like pies, ciabatta/flatbreads Sandwiches and quiches, burgers and fresh fish and chips - handy if you are passing on your way to or from the beach. Large carpark is free for customers. Open: Monday to Saturday 10am – 9pm. Sunday 12pm to 8.30pm. Address: Junction 19, Web: http://jackwhites.com/ M11. Ballinapark, Tel: 0404 47106 Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.

The Mottee Stone is a huge granite boulder, weighing about 150 tons, situated on a high point near the hamlet of Conary, not far from Avoca Village. Owing to its prominent location, the Mottee Stone has been a well-known landmark in the county for many years and attracts visitors to enjoy the amazing panoramic views. It is said that the five counties surrounding Wicklow can be viewed from the rock on a clear day, while in very good weather the mountains of Wales can be spotted across the Irish Sea. Origins The word ‘Mottee’ is possibly a deviation of the French word ‘moitie’, meaning halved or split. This name may refer to the sharp, almost sliced, features of the boulder. Another theory as to why this stone is called ‘Mottie’ also relates its possible French derivative ‘moitie’. It is said that dispatch riders travelling from the Norse City of Dublin to Wexford would spot the stone on top of this hill and say ‘Moitie!’, French for halfway, the stone marked the halfway point on the route between Dublin and Wexford. Folklore of the area says that the Mottee Stone was the hurling ball of the great Fionn Mac Cumhaill who hit it from the top of Lugnaquilla Mountain to top where it rests now. Another legend of the area states that every year on May Day the stone rolls down the hill to drink at the Meeting of the Waters! The true origins of this granite stone can be traced back to the Ice Age. The stone is a glacial erratic which was plucked from its home granite bedrock by a glacier over 10,000 years ago and taken to this predominately slate area of County Wicklow and dropped at its present position. It is about 13km from the nearest likely granite source in the Glenmalure Valley. The boulder is situated at a height of about 240m. Iron rungs have been embedded into the stone to act as a ladder, which allows you to climb the 2.4 metres to the top. The story goes that a rich Landlord got some Miners from Avoca to put them there so his wife-to-be could climb up them and have a look at the size of his estate from the top of the stone. The views are truly spectacular here and it is a particularly nice spot for sunrise or sunset.

This traditional Irish country pub situated in the village of Avoca, is a popular stop off point for many visitors to the area - Fitzgerald’s Pub was made famous during the filming of Ballykissangel for BBC television in the 1990’s. Nowadays, Fitzgerald still offers an intimate cosy atmosphere and also offers great food daily. Sunday lunch specials are popular and you’ll find the daily fresh offerings on the chalk board outside the pub. Many people stop off for a photo here and to sit outside with a pint and watch the world pass by. Open; From 12pm daily. Address: Main Street, Tel: 0402 35108 Avoca, Co Wicklow.

On the banks of the River Avoca between The Meetings of the Waters and the village of Avoca, the Avoca Mines once straddled the valley, consisting of sites at West Avoca, Ballygahan and the larger Ballymurtagh mines. Mining played a hugely important role in the history of Avoca and today the remains of seven engine houses, a mineral tramway arch, set against the colourful mine landscape still exist here. In this area copper and associated products were mined dating back probably to Roman times - Ptolemy’s map of Ireland in AD150 marks Oboka (Avoca), suggesting that the Romans knew of the Wicklow ore. Over the years, local and international entrepreneurs mined in Avoca for copper, lead, sulphur and other minerals. Associated with the extraction of copper in the Avoca Mines was iron pyrites (Fools Gold) from which sulphur is extracted. Sulphur, extracted from pyrite, while considered a secondary product to the extraction of copper ore from the mines, was at times very profitable and was also a vital component in munitions manufacture which the Kynoch Factory in Arklow utilized during World War One. Since the Avoca Mine site closure in 1982, the buildings have fallen into disrepair and if you are visiting the area, please be mindful of the existence of numerous public hazards. The site consists of openings into old unsafe underground mine workings. These, along with open pits with steep high walls, water bodies and spoil piles with elevated metals, present a hazard to the public. Please observe signage in place in the area. You may also wish to visit the White Cross or Miners cross on the top of the hill overlooking the Avoca Mines and Valley. Erected in 1952 to commemorate the Miners of the Avoca valley, it was originally made in timber but more recently has been replaced with a painted steel version. Enjoy stunning views of the Vale of Avoca from this spot!

Located in the centre of the village, the Avoca Heritage Centre is in a bright Ochre colour building, formerly a Courthouse, right next to the park and river. It is now home to a tourist information office, IT centre with internet access, small heritage centre and gift shop. If you have an interest in the Heritage of the area there is a lot of old photographs of days gone by. You’ll find interesting displays of historical items from the mines, and photographs with information about the hit BBC TV series that was filmed in the village, Ballykissangel. Find out about the old Avoca Mines and view some of the implements used in the old mine workings. You can also explore your roots with the genealogy records of deaths and births in the area from the 1800s. The staff will be able to offer pointers and direct you to local cemeteries where you may be able to discover an old tomb stones with the old family name. They also sell little trinkets and quirky souvenirs. Open year round Main Street, Email: avocacourthouse@eircom.net Avoca, Phone: 0402 35022 Co Wicklow.

Situated in one of the most scenic beauty spots in all of Wicklow, The Meetings is a country B&B, bar, off licence/shop and cafe/restaurant in an elevate position right on the river-bank. Overlooking the celebrated Meeting of the Waters, the property enjoys panoramic views of the converging waters of the Avonbeg and Avonmore rivers, and of the surrounding countryside. The café has indoor and outdoor seating which is particurlary pleasant on a sunny day. While you are here, browse the Craft Gallery stocked with the finest hand-made Wicklow crafts, where you might pick up a gift or momento of your holiday. Ample free customer parking adjacent. Open: Year Round Address:The Meetings of the Waters Web: http://TheMeetings.ie Avoca, Email: derek@themeetings.ie Co Wicklow. Tel: 0402 35226

As winner of numerous awards such as SKY Irish Tourist Bar of the year 2015, Leinster's Best Tourist Pub 2019 and VFI's Best Food Pub, Micky Finn’s Pub in Redcross village is on the must-do list for visitors to the area. Micky Finn’s has a unique rustic charm as you journey from room to room with welcoming open fires and pot-bellied stoves throughout. The pub is a magnet for both the locals and tourists - so if you’re looking for a unique venue with top class food served in a rustic tourist pub environment by friendly local staff, then this is the place for you. Coola Boola! Great food is served daily and they often host fun themed nights like Caribbean and Father Ted nights! On street parking is available outside. Open Daily from 12.30pm. Address: Main Street Web: www.wicklowbrewery.ie/mickey-finns.html Redcross, Email: wicklowbrewingcompany@gmail.com Co Wicklow. Tel: 0404 41661

Enjoy a creamy pint in the lively surroundings of Acton’s Country Pub at Macreddin Village near Aughrim. Blazing fires during the cold winter nights make this the perfect venue for enjoying a cosy evening drink. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions or venture outside during the summer months and enjoy barbecues during the Village Markets on Main Street Macreddin. With free range, organic and wild foods from the famous Macreddin pantry you can enjoy a healthy, relaxed lunch in pleasant surroundings. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Plentiful customer parking onsite. Open:. Monday to Thursday 6.30-11.30pm. Friday 12 noon to 11pm. Saturday & Sunday 12 noon to 11pm. Address: BrookLodge & Web: www.brooklodge.com/en/the-orchard-cafe/ Macreddin Village, Web: www.brooklodge.com/en/actons-country-pub/ Co Wicklow. Email: info@brooklodge.com Tel: 0402 36444