Derek Ryan Live
Live country music concert by Derek Ryan at The Arklow Bay Hotel.
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Arklow
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Arklow
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Arklow's maritime history is best explored at the Arklow Maritime Museum; check their limited opening hours before you go.
- The weather by the Irish Sea can change rapidly. Always bring a windproof jacket, even on sunny days.
- The South Beach is great for long walks, but be cautious of strong currents if you decide to swim.
- Parking near the main street (Main Street) can be tight during busy hours, but there are usually free spots closer to the harbor.
🍽 Food
🍽
Seafood Chowder
A hearty Irish classic filled with local catch. Try it in a traditional pub along the Main Street.
🍽
Fish and Chips
Freshly battered fish is a must near the coast. Grab a portion from a chipper near the harbor and eat it by the water.
🍽
Traditional Full Irish Breakfast
Set yourself up for the day with bacon, sausages, eggs, and black pudding at a local café or B&B.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Woolen Sweaters and Crafts
Look for local Irish crafts and cozy knitwear in independent shops around the town center.
🛍
Local Bakeries
Pick up some freshly baked soda bread or traditional scones from a bakery on Main Street.
🧘
Arklow Town Marsh
A beautiful ecological site first-rate for bird watching and a quiet escape just a short walk from the town.
🧘
Avoca River Walk
Take a peaceful stroll along the banks of the Avoca River, especially beautiful on a clear, crisp morning.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
3
Arklow RNLI Maritime Festival
Maritime town festival on the August bank holiday weekend at the South Quay and around town, with family entertainment, music and waterside activities.
Arklow Music Festival
A competitive music, speech and drama festival running for over 50 years each March, one of Ireland's largest performing-arts competitions open to all ages.
Arklow is a historic port town located at the mouth of the River Avoca in County Wicklow, on Ireland's southeast coast. Founded by Vikings in the 9th century, the town has a deep-rooted tradition in shipbuilding and fishing. During the Middle Ages, it was a stronghold of the Ormonde family until it was largely destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's forces in the 17th century. A defining moment in Arklow's history was the Battle of Arklow in 1798, one of the bloodiest engagements of the Irish Rebellion against British rule. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town experienced an industrial boom driven by copper mining in the nearby Avoca mines and the renowned Arklow Pottery works. This maritime and industrial heritage is meticulously preserved at the Arklow Maritime Museum. Today, Arklow serves as a bustling hub for commerce and tourism, blending its coastal beauty with its historical legacy. The Nineteen Arches Bridge, which spans the Avoca River, is noted as the longest stone bridge of its kind in Ireland, featuring nineteen distinct arches.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: South Beach · The Cove · Clogga Strand
- Nearby: Aughrim (13 km)
- Population: ~13.399
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 97 | 79 | 78 | 67 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 93 | 81 | 116 | 121 | 114 |
Live webcam – Arklow
See what it looks like near Arklow right now.
The Municipal District of Arklow › South-west · 1.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Arklow was originally established by Vikings in the 9th century.
- The Battle of Arklow took place on June 9, 1798.
- The Nineteen Arches Bridge is the longest stone bridge in Ireland.
- Arklow Pottery was a major employer from 1934 to 1998.
- The town is home to the Arklow Maritime Museum.
- The River Avoca meets the Irish Sea at Arklow.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:225.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at the historic Nineteen Arches Bridge before delving into Arklow's maritime past at the Maritime Museum. St. Mary & St. Peter's Church offers a moment of tranquility. In the afternoon, a coastal stroll takes you to Seaview Avenue, perfect for a lunch break. Spend some relaxing hours at South Beach. The day concludes with a climb up Arklow Rock for a spectacular sunset view over the Irish Sea.
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🚶 8'0.26 km
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11:10 · 47'
St. Mary & St. Peter's Church
Admire the architecture and the quiet atmosphere inside.
🚶 58'2.74 km
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🚶 23'1.01 km
09:00→15:369.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike and start at the Nineteen Arches Bridge. A short ride takes you to the Maritime Museum to discover local history. Then, cycle along the coast to South Beach for a leisurely lunch break and relaxation. The afternoon is reserved for Arklow Rock, whose view is worth the effort. End your tour with a ride to the peaceful Glen park and a glimpse of the nearby Glenart Castle.
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09:00→15:496.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 28€ · Transport 1€
Start your day by car at Glenart Castle and the adjacent Glen park. After a morning stroll, drive to Arklow town centre. Park your car and explore the Nineteen Arches Bridge and the insightful Maritime Museum on foot. In the afternoon, drive to the coastal cluster. Begin with the stunning views from Arklow Rock, then wander down to South Beach to spend the rest of the day by the sea, enjoying the fresh air.
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09:10 · 47'
Glenart Castle & The Glen (Cluster A)
Park here and start with a walk towards the castle.
🚗 4'0.39 km
🚗 11'2.41 km
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13:40 · 47'
Arklow Rock & Coast (Cluster C)
Drive to the car park at the Rock for panoramic views.
🚗 5'0.63 km
Sights in the town Arklow (8)
South Beach🎡 recreation
Unfolding along the coastal edge of Arklow, South Beach provides a rugged and beautiful stretch of the Irish seaside. The vibe here is generally peaceful and unassuming, making it an excellent destination for solitary walks or collecting shells. Wearing sturdy shoes will help you navigate the varying terrain of the shoreline comfortably.
Clogga Strand🎡 recreation
Situated just outside Arklow, Clogga Strand is a lovely cove that embraces the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visitors typically experience a quiet, relaxing environment handy for gentle exploration and appreciating the sea views. Packing a light jacket is a smart choice to stay comfortable in the ever-changing coastal breeze.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arklow's maritime history?
Arklow was famous for shipbuilding and fishing; the Maritime Museum showcases this tradition.
Are there good shopping options?
Yes, the Bridgewater Shopping Centre is one of the largest regional shopping centers.
What can you do at the harbor?
Walk along the quays, watch the boats, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
How far is Arklow from Dublin?
About 70 km south of Dublin, roughly 1 hour by car via the M11 or by train.
Are there beaches nearby?
Brittas Bay beach is only a short drive away and is very popular.
Arklow: where is it located?
Arklow is located in Ireland.
Arklow: what is there to see?
Highlights include South Beach, The Cove, Clogga Strand.
Arklow: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Arklow: why is it worth visiting?
Arklow is a historic port town located at the mouth of the River Avoca in County Wicklow, on Ireland's southeast coast.
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