Arklow

Introducing Arklow

Wicklow’s biggest and busiest town is a thriving commercial centre built around what was once an important local port. Although this may not inspire you to change route and come here, chances are if you’re in this part of the county you’ll probably end up here anyway. There’s a local belief that the town is included in Ptolemy’s 2nd-century map of Europe, but what is absolutely verifiable is that Sir Francis Chichester’s prize-winning transatlantic yacht Gypsy Moth III (now in Greenwich, England) was built here.

The town’s seafaring past is explored in the small maritime museum (32868; St Mary’s Rd; admission €3.50; 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Sat May-Sep), which features a model of the Titanic, some salvaged items from the Lusitania and an extraordinary model of a ship made from 10, 000 ­matchsticks.

For all other info, there’s the tourist office (32484; www.arklow.ie ; 9.30am-1pm Mon-Sat Jun-Sep) in the Coach House.

There is a white, sandy beach, but it lies between the docks and a gravel plant; you’re better off heading 10km north to Brittas Bay or 7km south to the more sheltered Clogga Beach.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009