Plizio Visual Lab
Rathdrum
ℹ️Practical info — Rathdrum
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rathdrum is a fantastic gateway to the Wicklow Mountains; a car is very useful for exploring the surrounding valleys.
- Visit the nearby Avondale Forest Park, particularly the "Beyond the Trees" treetop walk.
- The town is situated on a steep hill, so be prepared for some uphill walking between the river and the main square.
- Pack layers and waterproofs, as the weather in the Wicklow Mountains can change rapidly.
🍽 Food
Served in traditional pubs and restaurants in the area.
A staple in local cafes after a hike.
Check the local pubs for Wicklow-based breweries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
In shops catering to visitors exploring the mountains.
Local honey and preserves from the Wicklow region.
Expansive wooded areas with peaceful walking trails.
Flowing through the valley below the town.
Water temperature…
Rathdrum is perched high above the valley of the River Avonmore in County Wicklow, serving as a central hub within the scenic Wicklow Mountains. The town rose to prominence in the 18th century as a significant center for the woollen trade, marked by the construction of the historic Flannel Hall in 1793 to facilitate textile sales. A site of national importance nearby is Avondale House, the ancestral home and birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, the "Uncrowned King of Ireland." The landscape surrounding Rathdrum is defined by lush forests and deep glacial valleys, making it a premier destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts. The expansion of the Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway in 1863 bolstered local industry and opened the region to Victorian-era tourism. Today, Rathdrum remains a tranquil residential community that preserves its rich political and industrial legacy. The recently developed Beyond the Trees Avondale attraction gives visitors a contemporary perspective on the area’s historic forestry.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Virgins Well · Saint Saviour's Church · Avondale House
- Nearby: Aughrim (11 km)
- Population: ~1.586
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 |
Geography
Facts
- Flannel Hall was built in 1793 to regulate the local textile trade.
- Avondale House was built in 1777 and is set in a 500-acre forest park.
- Situated on the main Dublin-Rosslare railway line.
- The name 'Ráth Droma' translates to 'ringfort of the ridge'.
- The population was recorded at approximately 1,663 in the 2016 census.
- Nearby Clara Lara Fun Park is a long-standing regional attraction.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rathdrum (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is Avondale House?
What is the 'Beyond the Trees' treetop walk?
Where is Rathdrum located?
Have any movies been filmed here?
Can you arrive by train?
Rathdrum: where is it located?
Rathdrum: what is there to see?
Rathdrum: when is the best time to visit?
Rathdrum: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
