Aughrim – Granite Village, River Landscape and Walking Trails

Aughrim combines a setting shaped by wooded hills with local history and several waymarked trails. The village lies on the R747 regional road between Arklow and Baltinglass. It is also a gateway to the southern slopes of the Wicklow Mountains and to Aughavannagh. This gives Aughrim a connection to the landscape, walking trails and local attractions when choosing where to stay.

Walking Trails and Getting Around Aughrim

The Sean Linehan Walk starts at Tinakilly Bridge on the eastern side of Aughrim. This easy circular trail is 4 km long, passes through woodland alongside Ballycreen Brook and takes about 60 minutes. Jim’s Way starts at the Square in the village and is a circular trail about one mile long. Along the way, it passes an impressive cross erected to commemorate the family year and Pope Francis’s visit to Ireland.

The Ciaran Shannon Way is another option and can be accessed via Rednagh Road. Walkers still use the railway bridge to the mill as a shortcut from Killacloran to the village. The trails have different landmarks: Tinakilly Bridge for the Sean Linehan Walk, the Square for Jim’s Way, and Rednagh Road for the Ciaran Shannon Way.

Granite and Local History

Aughrim is locally known as the “Granite Village” because granite features in many of the village’s buildings, bridges and walls. St John’s Church is one example of this local building material: it dates from 1913 and was built from granite quarried locally at Tinakilly.

The history of the 1798 Rebellion is also commemorated at several sites. A monument was erected in the centre of the village in 1998 to remember those involved in the rebellion. Rednagh Bridge was the scene of a clash between Crown forces and rebels during the uprising. A marble plaque honouring Anne Devlin can also be seen on a bridge in Aughrim, beside Market Square House.

River Landscape and Nature

Aughrim lies near the confluence of the Ow and Derry rivers and is surrounded by wooded hills. The Aughrim River forms where the Ow and Derry Water rivers meet. It is an important habitat for dippers and herons and is rich in brown trout. The village’s setting therefore includes both wooded surroundings and the river and its wildlife.

Fishing, Classes and Market

The National Disabled Angling Facility in Aughrim is a put-and-take fishing pond; fishing rods and bait can be hired there. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Check the latest operating details and conditions before travelling. Studio Upper Aughrim offers pottery and woodturning classes for adults and children; check current class availability before your visit.

A description of Aughrim Country Fair published in 2025 mentions fresh regional produce, homemade food and crafts, and lists Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm as market time in Aughrim. Check the dates and market arrangements before visiting.

Explore more destinations: Hollywood, Brittas Bay, Bray, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Greystones, Ashford, Woodenbridge, Tinahely

For the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.