Things To Do
in Arklow
Arklow is a coastal town in County Wicklow, Ireland, perched on the Irish Sea with a storied maritime heritage and a friendly, small-town vibe. It offers a scenic seafront, a compact town center, and a convenient base for exploring Wicklow’s coast and inland trails. The harbour, promenades, pubs, and cafés create a relaxed atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
From arcing coastlines to nearby Greenan Fort and Brittas Bay, Arklow serves as a welcoming gateway to Wicklow’s sea and hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Arklow and check into a charming local bed and breakfast. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful River Avoca, breathing in the fresh coastal air. Explore the nearby scenic walks that showcase the town's stunning landscape.
Visit the Arklow Maritime Museum to learn about the town's rich maritime heritage. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local café, sampling traditional Irish dishes. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at the nearby beach or exploring the small shops in the town center.
Dine at a cozy restaurant offering local seafood delicacies, where you can savor dishes made from the freshest catches. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach to enjoy the sunset over the Irish Sea. End your day at a local pub, listening to live music while enjoying a pint of Guinness.
Start your day with a visit to the historic St. Saviours Church, an incredible example of Gothic architecture. Take time to appreciate the intricate stained glass windows and the serene atmosphere of this religious site. Capture some beautiful photographs of the church and its surroundings.
Head to the nearby Avoca Handweavers to witness traditional crafts and shop for unique gifts. Grab lunch at their café, offering delicious homemade scones and hearty meals. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the picturesque village of Avoca, known for its enchanting scenery.
Relax with a casual dinner at a local gastro pub, where you can enjoy hearty Irish fare. Spend your evening at the Arklow Performing Arts Centre if there are any scheduled events. Alternatively, unwind at your accommodation with a good book or movie.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer in pub | $5-8 |
| 🚗Taxi or local transport ride | $6-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal scenery and friendly locals
- Compact town that is walkable and easy to navigate
- Good base for Wicklow coast and inland sights
- Charming traditional pubs and seafood
- Relatively affordable compared with larger cities
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Seasonal tourist crowds can affect parking and queues
- Weather can be changeable and damp
- Public transport options beyond the town center are limited
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "Slán" - Goodbye
- "Conas atá tú?" - How are you?
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Le do thoil" - Please
- "Sláinte" - Cheers
Places to Visit in Arklow
Visit one of these nice places.
Pictures along the quay with boats, lighthouse glimpses, and pastel façades, especially at sunrise.
Long promenade with sea views, dramatic skies, and opportunities for sunset shots.
Historic coastal fortification with rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views.
Waterfront scenes with old bridges, reflections, and riverside textures.
Food in Arklow
Arklow Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy chowder loaded with fresh fish, shellfish, and potatoes, commonly served in harbour pubs.
Must-Try!
A traditional hearty stew with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and herbs.
Traditional Irish potato pancake often served as part of a savory dish or with toppings.
Crusty, lightly salted bread often enjoyed with meals or butter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls with seafood, baked goods, and local crafts by the harbour.
Fresh catches and street-food-style seafood snacks along Strand Road on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings, a friendly chat, and queuing in order are common; greetings in Irish or English are both fine.
Pubs are social spaces; speak in moderate tones, and respect quiet times in late evenings.
Tip for good service, but do not feel obligated in informal settings; always check if a service charge is included.
Safety
Tipping in Arklow
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not obligatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn’t included.
Card payments are widely accepted; cash is still useful in small cafés and some pubs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming countryside and quieter streets; carry a light layer for changeable weather.
Long days and outdoor dining; expect coastal breezes and occasional showers; sun protection advised.
Golden light and cooler air; sea winds at the coast; layers are essential for day-to-night shifts.
Cool and damp, with frequent rain; towns feel cozy indoors with pubs and cafés open for warm meals.
Arklow at Night
Hiking in Arklow
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic coastal hike offering sea views and dramatic cliffs, accessible from Bray and a feasible day trip from Arklow.
Iconic Wicklow Mountains trails through valleys, lakes, and pine woods, reachable by day trip from Arklow.
Accessible sections along Wicklow's famed long-distance trail with forest and hill scenery.
Coastal loops near Greenan Fort with sea views and historical remnants.
Airports
How to reach Arklow by plane.
Ireland’s main international airport, about 75-100 miles (120-160 km) north with frequent international and domestic flights.
Smaller regional airport with seasonal services; roughly 1.5-2 hours by road to Arklow.
Major international airport farther to the west; several hours by car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live here with schools, parks, and beaches nearby.
Residents who work in Wicklow and Dublin and use Arklow as a base.
A sizable portion of residents are retirees attracted by coastal living.
Seasonal visitors who come for beaches and scenic walks.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport across County Wicklow with local clubs.
A traditional Irish sport enjoyed by communities in the region.
Local clubs participate in regional leagues and matches.
Coastal and inland courses in the Wicklow area provide year-round play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arklow.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most venues offer vegetarian soups, salads, and mains; ask about stock and sauces to avoid non-vegetarian ingredients.