Arklow’s Main Street is one of the longest town thoroughfares in Ireland, stretching from the Wexford Road roundabout at Upper Main Street all the way to Lower Main Street, almost as far as the River. Arklow has several great shops and boutiques dotted along its Main Street, and you’ll always receive a ‘hello’, or the local greeting ‘good’, from a friendly face as you stroll along! You’ll also find all the usual services, like Post Office, two banks (BOI and AIB), bakeries and cafés, chemists, newsagents, a state-of-the-art Library with internet access, and a tourist information office, all along main street. Free Virgin Wi-Fi is also available on the Main Street, between the two banks. Some of the ladies and men’s shopping boutiques that might be top of your list for a visit are: McMullan’s of Arklow : In business for over 90 years, McMullan’s is one of Arklow’s favourite ladies fashion boutiques. The fashions and trends may have changed over the years, but the vision and passion has remained focused. The team at McMullan’s strive to help each and every customer find their ideal outfit for any occasion, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Ideally situated on Arklow’s Main Street with ample car parking nearby, McMullan’s offers you a wide range of designer labels at a reasonable price. Web: https://mcmullansarklow.com/ https://m.facebook.com/McMullansLtd/ Phone: 0402 32356 Voguish Boutique: Voguish Boutique is inspired by a love for fashion and the desire to bring ultimate style and confidence into every woman’s wardrobe. Pop in for a browse and the view the latest style. You’ll find this gorgeous boutique in the middle of Main Street with plenty of parking in the carpark to the rear of the Park opposite. Phone: 0402 98840 Power’s Souvenir & Gift Shop: Family owned and run, Power’s Souvenir & Gift Shop is a long-established business which stocks an eclectic mix of gifts, jewellery, Irish souvenirs, religious items and toys! This shop is a real find and well worth a browse – the range of nostalgic items might bring you back to your childhood growing up in Ireland! You will find gifts for all occasions and age groups, incense stones & crystals, and Communion & Confirmation items. Right in the centre of town on the Main Street of Arklow, there is plentiful car parking nearby in the Main Street Car Park. Phone: 0402 39992 Ralph O’Connell’s Shopping Centre This family business has been in existence for over 50 years on Arklow Main Street. Ralph O’Connell's Shopping Centre consists of a family shoe shop, sports shop selling clothing, footwear and sports equipment, and a ladies’ accessories store, with bags, scarves, hats and accessories. You will receive warm and helpful service from the team at O’Connell’s. Phone: 0402 32572 The Man’s Shop The Man’s Shop is an independent family-owned menswear shop operating from 39 Main Street, Arklow since 1962. Find on offer a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories for every man’s needs. Suit Hire is also available. Suits purchased at The Man’s Shop come with free alteration to ensure your individual needs are met. Web: https://www.themansshop.ie/ Phone: 0402 32626

Arklow is known as the ‘Gateway to the Glens’ of Glenmalure and Glendalough: a 30-minute drive from Arklow will bring you to one of the best locations in Wicklow for hiking and hillwalking! The Glenmalure Valley is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful, the glacial valley here being the longest of its kind in Ireland and Britain, carved out and shaped during the last ice age and by the gradually melting ice caps. Glenmalure is perfect location for the serious hiker, with access to Lugnaquilla, Ireland’s second highest peak, and two sections of the Wicklow Way. Walks in Glenmalure: Miners Path (1.6km / Strenuous): From Ballinafunshoge Carpark this short but steep path follows the same route once used by miners heading to and from the Ballinafunshoge mine, which was one of six lead mines located in the Glenmalure Valley. Enjoy gorgeous views of the nearby Glenmalure Waterfall and the wider valley as they open up over the valley, and head into the forest arounds to discover more trails. Section of the Wicklow Way: From Glenmalure you are right at the half-way point of the famous Wicklow Way which stretches 130km from the edge of the Dublin Mountains to Clonegal in the South. There are two great options for you to do a section of the Wicklow Way from here. These are full day hikes, so go prepared with adequate clothing, food, and water supplies. Parking is available at the Glenmalure Lodge where a small charge applies, however your car will be secure. Option 1 (Glenmalure to Iron Bridge / 14km one way / 3.5 hours each way / Strenuous): From the carpark head onto the road in front of the Lodge and turn left at the crossroads. A couple of hundred metres down this narrow road, you will see a forest entrance on your right, with brown finger signpost for the Wicklow Way. Cross over the brook and veer left. Follow the brown and yellow walking man markers South along the side of Slieve Mann before descending to the Iron Bridge over the Ow River. This is quieter section of the Wicklow Way and offers stunning views of the South Wicklow countryside. Option 2: (Glenmalure to Glendalough / 14km one way / 4.5 hours each way / Strenuous): From the carpark head out onto the road in front of the Lodge and turn right. Climbing up the road you will soon reach a Trailhead sign for Glenmalure Forest. Follow the brown and yellow walking man markers to join the Wicklow Way. You will continue to climb steadily with panoramic views of Lugnaquilla and Fraughan Rock Glen, before heading on towards Lugduff Ridge. You may see signs for the Miners Way, which crosses over in parts. As you begin to reach the highest point you cross a boggy saddle on a boardwalk heading towards Mullacor (657m). From the peak you will begin your trek down into Glendalough along a mixture of open mountain trail and boardwalk. The views are simply stunning and you would be unlucky not to encounter deer along this section of the trail. As you join ‘The Spinc’ trail you will enjoy amazing views from the mountain ridge down over the Glendalough Lakes and Monastic City. The final decent is via a steep zig zag trail which brings you right down pass Poulanass Waterfall and to the lake side at Glendalough. Lugnaquilla (13km out and back / 7 hours / Strenuous): The Glenmalure Valley is the most popular start point for climbing Lugnaquilla, the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains at 925m. When parked at Ballinafunshoge, you can access The Zigs Zags Route by walking back along the road towards Glenmalure. The Trailhead is close to the Carrawaystick Waterfall by a quaint white cottage with a red roof, that is a photographer’s favourite and is clearly marked with a large signpost, which states that it was originally a hunting path. The trail has been reconstructed by volunteers with permission of the landowners. This trail as it’s a working sheep farm, so dogs are strictly not allowed. Following the trail and enjoy the stunning views of the Glenmalure Valley as you weave your way up the mountainside. The summit of Lugnaquilla is a bare undulating plateau and paths are many, so take care to note where you have ascended from or you may get lost easily trying to find your return path! Lugnaquilla is an open mountain and is prone to the changing weather conditions once you rise higher up. This strenuous hike should only be undertaken by experienced walkers, with suitable equipment, supplies and clothing, and a compass and map is recommended.

FunWorks is an indoor play area for children from 0-12 years of age. FunWorks is a fun and safe venue, sure to tire out any child and provide hours of entertainment! There is a small ball pit for under one’s and an additional soft play area for under 3’s. The larger space caters for the slightly older children. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available. Open: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed public holidays. Address: Unit 1, Phone: 0402 24661 Croghan Industrial Park, Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Situated in one of the most scenic beauty spots in all of Wicklow, The Meetings is a country B&B offering a choice of comfortable, well-appointed, purpose-built rooms. Rooms were refurbished in 2015 and there are single, double, twin, family rooms with river views and new Executive Rooms with river views. Rooms are bright and tastefully furnished, each with an en-suite shower rooms, flat-screen TV, tea, and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is continental style with a selection of cereals, juices, fruit, yogurts, toast, tea, or coffee. A cooked breakfast may also be ordered. Also onsite at The Meetings is a bar, off licence/shop and the lovely cafe/restaurant is in an elevated position right on the riverbank. 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 particularly 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 memento 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

Wok Star is a fresh, modern approach to the traditional Asian restaurant and takeaway, combining only the best recipes from your favourite cuisines including Nepalese, Indian, Thai and Chinese. The team at Wok Star, headed up by Chef Shanta, have a passion for exciting food and great service. Chef Shanta brings the sensational flavours of Nepal and India to the table. His interest and talent for cooking stems from his childhood, growing up in a family running hotels and restaurants in Nepal. Wok Star aim to provide you with healthy fresh food that’s good for both your body and mind by creating everything from scratch. By grinding their own unique spice mix from a variety of whole spices like cloves, cumin seeds, star anise, coriander seeds, green and black cardamon, nutmeg, bay leaves and cinnamon stick, many health benefits are brought through into the dishes. Wok Star Chefs also make their own yoghurt and paneer and even grind their own mince so they know there are no hidden additives. They also make their many different sauces from scratch, and their stir-fries and noodle dishes are packed with fresh vegetables which are delivered daily to the restaurant. Sit in restaurant and take away are both available. Parking is available along South Quay, Main Street or the Riverwalk. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 5pm - 10.30pm, Sunday 5pm - 10pm Address: 35b Main St, Web: http://wokstar.ie/ Arklow, Email: wokstar21@gmail.com Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0402 33692

Camping Stuff.ie Camping Stuff is on online retail shop, based in Lower Main Street Arklow, selling essential camping equipment and quirky, fun camping gifts too. Their aim is to provide a top-class service offering quality products at affordable price and take pride in maintaining a personal connection with all customers. Check them out online and if you need something in a hurry while on holidays in the Arklow area, or for a future trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Camping Stuff! Email: edeline@campingstuff.ie Phone: 0402 49000 Power Sound Power Sound: A dual Music Shop and Fishing Tackle Shop, Power Sound is hidden away behind Power’s Souvenir Shop in the centre of Arklow Town. Find a range of fishing equipment and live bait here. Owner Gerry will be able to give you local advice to help you net the best catches around Arklow! Address: 12a Main Street, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Phone 0402 33966 Wild Ireland Arklow Wild Ireland Arklow: On Upper Main Street, Wild Ireland stocks a wide range of accessories for the angler, as well as a huge variety of camping and outdoors equipment, clothing and goods. You’ll find a great variety of live bait to suit all fishing seasons and the proprietor is on hand to advise on your needs. Address: 1 Upper Main Street, Arklow, Co Wicklow 087 068 9268

Basing yourself in Arklow gives you access to some of the best road cycling routes in Wicklow. The combination of coastal views, gentle rolling hills and the occasional steep climb offers a great variety of road cycling options. Here are a couple of ideas, but with so many villages and towns dotted across the region, there are many more options to link up for shorter or longer bike rides. Arklow – Glenmalure – Rathdrum - Arklow: 75km. This scenic loop starts and ends in Arklow. From Arklow head alongside the River Avoca to Woodenbridge, before turning at the Woodenbridge Hotel for Aughrim. From Aughrim head up by Macreddin Village and Greenan towards Glenmalure, a continuous climb which brings you up past the Glenmalure Lodge. This is the perfect halfway point to stop off! After the hotel you'll be turning right toward Laragh/Glendalough, and you'll soon you’ll pass the Shay Elliott Memorial, named for the legendary Irish Cyclist, marking the finish line of a King of the Mountains section. This is the highest point of the route and soon after you will commence your descent down toward the Laragh/Glendalough road. You could take a detour if you have time to explore Glendalough, but for now this route has you turning right for Rathdrum. On through the Clara Vale next for a relatively easy section which undulates gradually downwards into Rathdrum, a busy town which is another popular stop off point. Try Jacob's Well for a refreshing drink or bite to eat. At the crossroads, next turn right towards the ‘Meetings of the Waters’. This route then bypasses the village of Avoca and continues on to Woodenbridge, where you will pass through the Vale of Avoca for the homeward stretch back into Arklow. On this ride you will encounter a couple of big climbs and some spectacular Wicklow scenery and this route forms part of the annual Wicklow 200 race. Arklow – Redcross – Brittas Bay – Arklow: 50km Leaving Arklow the route follows the Beech Road (turning at Homesavers) for about 3km until you see a turn off to the right signposted Redcross. Soon after, keeping straight on these narrow country roads, you will encounter a decent climb up towards a peak at Barriniskey with great views of the surrounding Wicklow hills and coastline, before a nice downward section into Redcross village. The Wicklow Brewery is a good stop off point if you need to refuel, before continuing on into Barndarrig. You could detour to the National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh or continue straight to pass across the old N11 road in the direction of Kilbride/Dunganstown. Continue heading east along winding country roads to link up with the coast road towards Potters Point & Brittas Bay . You may like to stop off at the Elephant & Castle for a rest break, which has a variety of dining options. Continue south to Brittas Bay and along the Coast Road which has one steep incline before leveling out and then descending gently towards your destination. You will encounter the best scenery of this route as the narrow road hugs the coastline. Enjoy the gorgeous views all the way back into Arklow!

The Vale of Clara Nature Reserve is situated 23km from Arklow Town and is one of the most scenic and serene locations in all of Wicklow - 550 acres of oak-wood cover the reserve, which is one of the largest stands of native hardwoods in the country. The area has been at least partially under woodland since the Ice Age. The reserve is home to a wealth of woodland birdlife including Long-eared Owls, Jays, Treecreepers, Crossbills, and the Great Spotted Woodpecker. The forest is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are changing colour. On your way to the trailhead, you will pass the picturesque Clara Vale Church and bridge – a favourite spot for photographers. There are two trailheads to Clara Vale – the first one you reach is the starting point for all three sign-posted loop walks within the Nature Reserve. Each has its own colour-coded signage - 2km, 5.6km and 9.5km. If the parking area is busy you can continue up the hill for about 200m where you’ll find a second trail head for the 5.6km and 9.5km looped walks. Parking: off the road at the trailhead. Grade: Easy. Not suited to wheelchair users. Robust buggies will cope with this trail.

BrookLodge Hotel & Macreddin Village is located in a spectacular valley in the rolling South Wicklow hills. Four-star country house style, and state-of-the-art facilities combine to deliver a unique experience. Relax and unwind at The Wells Spa. Dine at The Strawberry Tree, Ireland’s first certified Wild and Organic Restaurant, or La Taverna Armento. Macreddin Village also hosts Acton’s Country Pub, The Orchard Café, an Organic Bakery, a Smokehouse, and a Wild Food Pantry and much more. Macreddin Village has twice won AA Hotel of the Year, Ireland’s Culinary Hotel of the Year, and Ireland’s Luxury Eco-Friendly Hotel. Choose from a range of accommodation options - Macreddin Village consists of 86 bedrooms in total, spanning across 3 buildings in the Village: BrookLodge, BrookHall & BrookMews. There are various types of rooms available ranging from traditional style Standard Rooms to New York style Mezzanine Suites. The Village Rooms are decorated in true country house style featuring sleigh beds, wood panelled window seats to relax and enjoy amazing views, deep baths, and crisp linen. All guestrooms offer the high level of amenities you would expect from this luxury property. Open: Year Round Address: Macreddin Village, Web: https://www.brooklodge.com/ Aughrim, Email: info@brooklodge.com Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0402 36444

Within the four-star Arklow Bay Hotel, you can enjoy a fine dining experience in The Pottery Restaurant. A firm favourite with locals and hotel guests alike, The Pottery Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service and wonderful food, catering for all dietary requirements. Arklow Pottery was established at South Quay in 1934 and provided huge employment for many townspeople over the years. The factory produced quality earthen tableware for everyday use and as its business grew, it diversified into hotel ware, producing customised crockery for top Dublin hotels such as The Gresham Hotel and The Shelbourne Hotel. Arklow also produced Fine Bone China which was among the best in the world. Arklow Pottery leaves a legacy which is unrivalled among companies today. Practically every family in Arklow and its environs has a connection with Arklow Pottery. Within The Pottery Restaurant you can view the wonderful Arklow Pottery display showing some of the famous designs from over the years. Plentiful free customer parking available onsite. Open: Daily from 5pm to 9pm, Sunday lunch from 12.30pm. Address: Arklow Bay Conference & Web: www.arklowbay.com/pottery-restaurant Leisure Hotel, Sea Road, Email: reservations@arklowbay.com Arklow Tel: 0402 26200 Co. Wicklow.

Hush MTB Club, under licence from Coillte, are building, managing and maintaining mountain bike trails on Ballymoyle Hill. Just 9km north of Arklow, Ballymoyle Hill rises to a height of 240m above sea level, providing great opportunities for downhill MTB fun on the purpose built trails that travers the forest here. There are several trails of differing grades including blue and black grades. Choose from fast flowing trails with small fun jumps and a few technical sections, to others with steep starts and finishes, which feature flow and gap jumps in between. On a clear day from the trails, you’ll also enjoy the magnificent views and it’s often possible to see the Welsh mountains in the distance. The forest is also popular with walkers and the forest trails and MTB routes criss-cross in places, so care is needed when coming out of a trial. Riders are asked to respect the natural environment, adhere to ‘Leave no Trace’ principles and to have adequate insurance. Parking: off the road in front of the barrier. Public Toilets: Main Street Car Park, Arklow – 15 drive

Established in 1787, Lawless’s Hotel, in the picturesque village of Aughrim, offers all the charm of a bygone era with modern comforts, fine food and great service. Nestling in the heart of the Wicklow Hills, the 3-star rural retreat is a comfortable place to take a break from city life. Double, twin and family rooms with capacity for families of four are available - each room is equipped with TVs, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Direct Dial Telephone, Hairdryer, and all rooms are en-suite. Taking its name from the trout filled river which runs alongside Lawless’s Hotel, you will find The Thirsty Trout bar serving good food all day with a menu to suit all tastes, and of course there’s the Guinness! With live music every weekend The Thirsty Trout Bar is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a bite to eat and have the craic. Open Year Round Address: Lawless’ Hotel, Web: http://lawlesshotel.ie/ Aughrim, Email: reservations@lawlesshotel.ie Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0402 36146