Arklow – maritime history and walking routes

Arklow combines a distinctive maritime history with walking routes of varying lengths. The museum, bridge and routes offer tangible points of interest.

Maritime history and townscape

The Nineteen Arches Bridge is Ireland’s longest hand-built stone bridge. This stone arch bridge connects the southern, or main, part of Arklow with the northern district of Ferrybank. The distinctive structure also offers a way to understand the layout of the town.

The Arklow Heritage Museum in Arklow presents the town’s maritime history. It focuses in particular on boatbuilding and the lifeboat and fishing traditions. While the bridge connects the town’s districts, the museum focuses on the activities that shaped Arklow’s maritime past.

Walking routes by length and walking time

The Arklow Riverwalk is a 3 km loop that starts at the edge of the Nineteen Arches Bridge and at the Bridge Hotel. The Arklow Loops Town Walk is an easy 4.3 km loop. It passes Arklow Library, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk. This gives you a choice of two urban loops of different lengths. The longer Town Walk also has an approximate time estimate to help with planning.

Another option is the Arklow South Beach Walk, an easy loop of just under 6 km. Check access in advance when planning. A notice dated 24 March 2025 reported significant access disruptions due to construction work. Therefore, check current access before planning to walk the route.

Coast and getting there

Arklow South Beach is a sandy stretch of coastline near the town centre. Fishing, kitesurfing and kayaking are popular activities there. This coastal area offers a different focus from the routes through the town.

Arklow is on the N11 and the Dublin–Rosslare railway line. For your specific journey, check current road conditions and timetables before setting off. This lets you plan your journey around your travel dates without assuming a particular travel time.

County Wicklow as a regional setting

County Wicklow also has destinations with their own, different historical focus. Saint Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. The monastic history and surviving buildings offer a glimpse into County Wicklow’s religious heritage.

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. These regional details add to the picture of County Wicklow; they are distinct from Arklow’s town history and coastal area.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When choosing a hotel in Arklow, you can start by considering what you want to focus on during your stay: maritime heritage, a walking route or activities on the sandy coast. Then compare the specific details for each hotel and check which location suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Baltinglass, Ballyknockan, Rathdrum, Blessington, Avoca, Bray, Redcross, An Láithreach.

For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.