Things to Do in Arklow: The Ultimate Local's Guide to Wicklow's Maritime Hub

Arklow sits at the mouth of the Avoca River, where Wicklow's mountains meet the Irish Sea. Unlike other Leinster towns that developed primarily around agriculture or monasteries, Arklow grew as a Viking settlement in the 9th century, before becoming one of Ireland's busiest maritime centers. The town's name derives from the Old Norse "Arnkell-lág" (meadow of Arnkell), preserving its Nordic heritage even as it evolved through centuries of shipbuilding and seafaring.

Today's Arklow balances its maritime history with modern attractions, while remaining less touristy than nearby Wicklow Town or Glendalough. The locals maintain a fierce pride in their industrial heritage, particularly the town's former status as home to one of the world's largest shipping companies, Tyrrell's Shipyard, which crafted vessels that sailed throughout the British Empire from 1864 to 1981.

Arklow's Must-See Attractions

Arklow Heritage Museum

This volunteer-run museum houses an impressive collection of maritime artifacts, model ships, and photographs documenting Arklow's seafaring history. The detailed scale models of vessels built at Tyrrell's Shipyard are particularly fascinating, showcasing craftsmanship that made Arklow famous worldwide.

Visitor info: Open Saturday and Sunday 2-5pm (summer hours extend to Tuesday-Sunday). Allow 1-2 hours for a proper visit to this Arklow attraction. Unlike the more commercial maritime museum in Dun Laoghaire, Arklow's version offers a more intimate experience where former shipyard workers themselves might guide you. 

Arklow Bay Beach

This long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for morning walks, swimming (during summer months), and beachcombing. The southern section tends to have better waves for surfing or bodyboarding, while the northern part near the harbor wall is calmer for families.

Visitor info: Best visited at low tide when the beach expands dramatically. Summer weekends get busy, but weekday mornings offer peaceful solitude. Lifeguards on duty July-August. Plan 2-3 hours for a beach visit.

Arklow Rock

Rising 130 meters, this distinctive rock formation offers panoramic views across Arklow and the Irish Sea. The rock's unusual composition made it valuable for quarrying, and the abandoned quarry sites create dramatic scenery.

Visitor info: Accessible year-round, but avoid in heavy rain as paths become slippery. The moderate 45-minute hike rewards with views superior to the more famous (and crowded) Bray Head walk in north Wicklow.

Avoca River Walk

This scenic riverside path follows the Avoca River from the town center to the Meetings of the Waters. The trail passes through wooded areas, open fields, and offers spots for fishing or picnicking.

Visitor info: Best in spring when wildflowers bloom or autumn when trees change color. Allow 2 hours for the full route. Less developed than the river walks in Enniscorthy, which gives it a more natural feel.

Bridgewater Shopping Centre

Arklow's main shopping hub offers a mix of Irish and international brands, along with cafes and services. While not a destination in itself, it's a good rainy-day option or for picking up necessities.

Visitor info: Open daily 9am-6pm (Sundays 12-6pm). Free parking available. Allow 1-2 hours.

St. Saviour's Church

This impressive 19th-century Gothic Revival church features beautiful stained glass windows and distinctive architecture. The church's spire dominates Arklow's skyline and served as a landmark for ships entering the harbor.

Visitor info: Open to visitors outside of service times. Allow 30 minutes for a visit. Compare it to St. Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy to appreciate the different architectural styles found across Leinster.

Arklow's Hidden Treasures

Kynochs Club

Few visitors know that Arklow was once home to one of Europe's largest munitions factories. The Kynochs social club remains from this era, and though private, the bar is open to visitors and filled with fascinating photographs and memorabilia from when thousands worked at the factory.

Local insight: Order an "Explosives" (the house shot) and ask the bartender about the famous 1917 factory fire that lit up the sky so brightly it could be seen from Wales.

Croghan Kinsella Mountain

This overlooked mountain offers spectacular views across County Wicklow and Wexford just inland from Arklow. Unlike the tourist-packed Wicklow Mountains National Park, you'll often have the trails to yourself here.

Local insight: Gold was discovered here in 1795, sparking Ireland's only gold rush. Locals say that you can occasionally spot gold flakes in the streams after heavy rains.

Pottery Pond

This peaceful lake formed in an old clay pit that once supplied Arklow's famous pottery works. Now a wildlife haven, it's perfect for spotting birds and enjoying quiet reflection.

Local insight: The best views are from the eastern bank at sunset, where you might meet elderly locals who once worked at the pottery sharing stories of Arklow's industrial past.

Arklow's Event Calendar

Spring

Arklow Music Festival (March) - Ireland's longest-running classical music festival attracts performers from across the country. The competition classes range from choral to instrumental, with performances held throughout town.

Arklow Seabreeze Festival (April) - This weekend festival celebrates Arklow's maritime heritage with boat races, seafood markets, and live music along the waterfront. The historic boat parade features meticulously maintained traditional vessels.

Summer

Arklow Bay Hotel Summer Series (June-August) - Weekly outdoor concerts in the hotel grounds showcase local musicians and cover bands. The relaxed atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks make this popular with both tourists and locals.

Arklow Maritime Festival (July) - The harbor comes alive with tall ships, naval vessels, and traditional boats. Visitors can enjoy harbor tours, seafood stalls, and maritime demonstrations. The festival culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the Avoca River.

Autumn

Arklow Halloween Festival (October) - What started as a small community event has grown into one of Leinster's largest Halloween celebrations, featuring a zombie walk, haunted harbor tour, and Ireland's largest Halloween costume competition.

Arklow Pottery Fair (November) - Celebrating the town's pottery-making heritage, this weekend event brings together ceramic artists from across Ireland. The demonstrations of traditional Arklow pottery techniques are particularly fascinating.

Winter

Arklow Christmas Lights Festival (December) - The town's impressive light display is switched on during this family festival, which includes a Christmas market, carol singing, and visits from Santa arriving by lifeboat rather than sleigh.

Arklow Burns Night (January) - Thanks to strong Scottish connections through maritime trade, Arklow holds one of Ireland's few traditional Burns Suppers, celebrating the Scottish poet with haggis, whiskey, and bagpipes.

Family Activities in Arklow

Arklow Adventure Park

This outdoor activity center offers ziplines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses suitable for children aged 6 and up. The junior course is perfect for younger kids, while teenagers will enjoy the more challenging high ropes.

Family tip: Book online for discounted rates and arrive early to avoid queues during summer. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience.

Glenart Forest Trails

These gentle walking paths through ancient woodland are ideal for families with young children or strollers. The fairy door trail keeps little ones engaged as they search for tiny doors along the route.

Family tip: The red trail (2km) is most suitable for families. Bring wellies as it can get muddy even in summer.

Arklow Library

The modern library offers regular children's storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and a dedicated kids' area. It's the perfect all-weather option when rain strikes (as it often does in Wicklow).

Family tip: Check their Facebook page for upcoming events, which are free but sometimes require booking.

Coral Leisure Pool

This indoor swimming pool features a smaller pool for toddlers, a larger one for older kids, and a waterslide that's open on weekends and school holidays.

Family tip: Family swim tickets offer good value, and the quietest times are weekday afternoons outside of school holidays.

Local Arklow Business Highlights

The Harbour Bar

The Harbour Bar traditional pub with maritime decor serves excellent seafood caught by local fishermen. Their seafood chowder uses a recipe unchanged for generations, served with brown bread baked in-house each morning.

Signature dish: Arklow Bay mussels steamed in local Wicklow Wolf beer with garlic and herbs.

Factory Coffee

Housed in a former factory building, this indie coffee shop roasts beans on-site. The industrial-chic interior features salvaged machinery parts from Arklow's manufacturing past.

Signature drink: The "Pottery Pour" – their take on Vietnamese coffee using locally made pottery drip filters.

Visit Arklow

Arklow offers visitors an authentic slice of Wicklow life without the tourist crowds found elsewhere in the county. Its maritime heritage, industrial past, and stunning coastal location mean there is lots of things to do. 

Whether you're climbing Arklow Rock, learning about shipbuilding at the Maritime Museum, or enjoying freshly caught seafood at the Harbour Bar, you'll be experiencing the real Arklow that locals cherish.

What makes Arklow special isn't just its attractions but its people – proud of their history, connected to the sea, and ready to welcome visitors who appreciate their town's unique character. So when planning your Leinster itinerary, make time for this working maritime town that offers much more than first meets the eye.

Check out our guide about things to do in Naas.