The Red Kite walk starts from the Car Park in the centre of Avoca Village just opposite St. Mary’s & St. Patrick’s Church, 10km from Arklow. From there take the footpath away from the village following the signposts into the woods to the right. The forest track is initially a little steep but after this short climb the path right will take you through some wonderful woodland and you can view the village from the forest trail that overlooks it. Follow the red way marking signs around the 2.5km loop, keeping left, with another gradual incline bringing you even further above the valley floor. In 2009, The Golden Eagle Trust re-introduced a set of Red Kite birds into Kilmagig Forest. Now there are over 30 breeding pairs who have made their habitat around the Red Kite Walk, which is part of the forest. There’s also a cemetery off a spur, signposted, along the trail dating back to the 1800s, along with beautiful flora and fauna. Parking: Village Car Park (free) Grade: Moderately Challenging in places Not suitable for Wheelchair users. Robust buggies will cope with the route, with muscle power needed on the inclines!

The Arklow Nature and Wildlife Reserve nestles beneath the North Coastal Walk on Arklow’s north shore. The small lake which forms the centrepiece of the reserve started life as a boating lake in 1958 and is affectionately known locally as ‘da duck pond’! Reeds have since reclaimed the lake and it’s now a wildlife sanctuary made up of several diverse habitats, home to many water bird species such as ducks, geese, swans, grebes, and gulls There is a viewing deck on either side of the lake, which encourages visitors to view the birds up close. Three-spined Stickleback fish shelter in the reed, which also provides shelter and nest sites for the Moorhen and the Little Grebe and vital nesting material for the Mute Swan. The reed beds are also an essential habitat of the Reed Buntings which live among them throughout the year. Small wetland plants such as Bittersweet, Hedge Bindweed, Water Mint and Tufted Vetch grow on the north eastern bank. Yellow Flag Irises thrive beneath the canopy of broadleaf trees and Duckweed carpets the surfaces providing a refuge for the Common Frog and the Smooth Newt. Around the Lake is a 2km trail suitable for walkers, family cycling and scooting. The area behind the raised west bank supports a very different kind of habitat. It is quite dry and the path runs through a copse of silver birch. Along this path you can veer off to The Arklow Bay Hotel and enjoy Afternoon Tea or a drink on the lawns that meet the edge of the walking trail. The adjacent Kynock’s Park and Coastal Walk are a nice addition to your ramble in this area. The Playground, Skatepark, Dementia Friendly Garden and Coral Leisure Centre and Pool are also adjacent. Parking: Along the adjacent Seaview Avenue (free) Public Toilets: Main Street Car Park – 15 minutes walk

Buckroney Nature Reserve, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is 8km north of Arklow and is part of the same sand dune system as Brittas Bay, a few kilometers further north. The beach is quite vast and is backed by a massive expanse of hilly sand dunes. If you are visiting the Nature Reserve, it is important to be sensitive to the unique biodiversity that exists here. Care is needed to prevent trampling the marram grass that binds the sand dunes, and to avoid disturbing the plants or trees growing here. Horses graze the dunes for part of the year as part of a sustainable grazing strategy allowing the dune flora and wildlife to thrive in the flowering season. Buckroney is home to extraordinary biodiversity – birdlife like the little terns and nesting ringed plover, and varied wildflower like pyramidal orchids, wild asparagus, purple thyme, pink centaury and storksbill, blue speedwell and yellow lady’s bedstraw. Roadside parking is available for a small number of cars and access down to the beach is through a small gate opposite. A 10-minute hike, steep in parts, across the gorgeous dunes is required before you reach the strand, so this beach won’t be suited to everyone. The North section of Buckroney Dunes, as you look towards The European Golf Course, is a popular with naturists. Services: Car Parking: limited roadside parking – 10-minute walk to the beach Nearest public toilets: Brittas Bay South Beach Car Park – 4km

This walk starts in the quaint village of Aughrim, 15km from Arklow Town.The Sean Linehan Walk begins about 900m the village at the old Tinakilly Bridge. Families will enjoy this one – bring a picnic and sit on the benches provided alongside the river, which is shallow enough to venture in for a paddle in the summer. The walk is an easy 4 km loop – a mix of boardwalk and forest trails, through woodland along the Ballycreen Brook. The abundance of water along the route makes for lush woodland and plenty of flowery beauty within season. Parking: Along the quiet roadside near the trailhead (free) Grade: Easy Not suitable for Wheelchair users. Robust buggies will cope with the route.

Coral Leisure Arklow is the largest leisure complex in the South East. A great way to spend fun family time is in the 25m Swimming Pool, with separate Learner Pool for the little ones, where you can avail of a Family Swim entry at certain times of day. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements about the popular Inflatable Pool Obstacle Course throughout the year! Adults can enjoy a trip to the Sauna, Steam room or a session in the spacious state of the art Gymnasium. Or you might be tempted to join one of the pay-as-you-go Fitness Classes or Aqua Aerobics sessions. Sprint Fitness Spinning Studio operates onsite (privately run). Coral Leisure also has pool shower seat and pool hoist should you need it, as well as accessible Changing Rooms and Parking Spaces, as well as a ramp to enter. The complex also has a large Indoor Sports Hall, 2 Racquetball Courts, 1 Squash Court, and selective camps are run throughout throughout the year. Open: Monday: 7am - 9.45pm Tuesday: 9am - 9.45pm Wednesday: 7am - 9.45pm Thursday: 9am - 9.45pm Friday: 7am - 9.45pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm Bank Hol Monday: 10am - 5pm Seaview Avenue, web: https://arklow.coralleisure.ie/ Arklow, Email: arklow@coralleisure.ie Co Wicklow Phone: 0402 23328

In this part of Wicklow, there is a simply beautiful coastline just waiting to be explored, with several easily accessible locations around Arklow to launch your Sea Kayak from. A fantastic uplands river catchment area also offers exciting opportunities for River Kayaking near Arklow, and is amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland. Sea Kayaking: If you are an experienced kayaker, you can take to the waters in your own kayak from the shallow waters of The Cove beach. If you turn right you will pass around Arklow Rock, once an active volcano, before you travel alongside Nuns Beach and then on to Clogga Cove. At the end of the beach at Clogga there is a rocky outcrop which is home to a small seal colony. Always take care when out in the open water as the current can be strong – be sure to check weather and sea conditions before taking your kayak out into the Irish Sea. River Kayaking: The stretch of water between Rathdrum and The Meetings of the Waters along the Avonmore River is popular with kayakers, not least because of the wonderful scenery in this area as you descend gradually from the Wicklow Mountains. Kayakers can enter the water at Rathdrum Bridge just at the northern end of the town. The take-out is about 7.5km down river, just at the bridge at The Meetings Pub. The river has several continuous entertaining rapids and is surrounded by with beautiful Wicklow scenery and towering trees. Be mindful of the possibility of fallen trees along the route which may cause a hazard.

Family-run traditional Fish and Chips serving only the highest quality food. Local delivery service available. Proud ITICA Members for Irish Traditional Italian Chippers. Order online via Flipdish App. Open 7 days a week. Ferrybank Arklow, Arklow, Co Wicklow Tel: (0402) 31859 Website: https://www.marsellas.ie/

Arklow’s longest established traditional Fish and Chips take away. Daily specials available. Order online via Flipdish App. Take away and delivery available. Open 7 days a week. Back St, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: (0402) 39340 Email: tradewindstakeaway@gmail.com Website: https://www.tradewindsarklow.ie/

Traditional Italian Chipper in the heart of Arklow, serving up amazing fish and chips! Burger Hill is committed to providing the best food and drink experience in your own home. Order online via Flipdish App. Take away and delivery available. Open 7 days a week. 4 Upper Main St, Arklow, Co Wicklow. Tel: (0402) 39173 Website: https://www.burgerhill.ie/?l=en Franco@burgerhill.ie

A traditional Italian-Irish chippers, Rico’s is a popular and busy spot. Fresh fish available and great southern fried chicken, with quick and friendly service from the team. Offering take away and delivery service. Oder online via YOYO app. Open 7 days a week. Fernhill Plaza, Wexford Rd, Knockanrahan Lower, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: (0402) 29244 Website: https://ricos.ie/

Huge range of fresh and delicious pizzas available from this well established and popular pizza take away. Order via YOYO app for collection or delivery. Open 7 days a week. Coolgreaney Rd, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Website: https://properpizza.ie/ Tel: (0402) 24040

Popular Irish pizza brand with over 150 stores nationwide. Pizza and a wide range of side orders available for collection or delivery. Meal deals available daily. Order via their website or over the phone. Open 7 days a week. 64 Main St, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Website: https://www.apache.ie/ Email: arklow@apache.ie Tel: (0402) 41400