Arklow —County Wicklow

This lively shopping town, with a wide range of pubs, restaurants, accommodation and shops is situated on the impressive Avoca River. Arklow was one of the busiest ports in Ireland and a renowned centre for boat building and sea fishing. A visit to the Arklow Maritime museum helps to reveal this important history. Arklow also has a fine tradition in the pottery industry. The town is an excellent base from where one can explore the Vale of Avoca and the Wicklow Mountains, which are just a few kilometers west of the town. The glorious sandy beaches of Brittas Bay and Clogga are well worth a visit. There are many activities one can participate in when you visit Arklow - angling, golfing and swimming to say a few. A few kilometers outside of Arklow on the road to Woodenbridge (R747) is Glenart Castle - which now operates as a hotel. The castle is a heritage building and worth a visit if one wants to view a functional castle.