Discover Newtownmountkennedy

Newtownmountkennedy brings together a distinctive local history, woodland trails and culinary experiences. Its highlights range from a battle in 1798 and a historic artefact in St. Matthew’s Church of Ireland to cookery classes, tastings and walks through the countryside. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus primarily on history, nature or food.

Local history and St. Matthew’s Church of Ireland

The Battle of Newtownmountkennedy took place on 30 May 1798. It was an early and significant engagement in the nationwide United Irishmen rebellion, linking the town’s history to a pivotal event in the uprising.

St. Matthew’s Church of Ireland stands on a hill near the northern entrance to Newtownmountkennedy. The church was consecrated in 1895 and served as a chapel for Newcastle. It preserves a wooden communion table traditionally called Ridley’s Altar, which is believed to date from the 16th century. William Sewells, one of the founders of St. Colomba’s College, brought the altar to Ireland; it was later acquired by a rector of Newtownmountkennedy. It is regarded as a unique historic artefact of national importance.

Cookery classes and tastings

The Firehouse Cookery School offers hands-on cookery classes at its bakery in Newtownmountkennedy. At Móinéir by Wicklow Way Wines, the programme includes guided tastings of Irish strawberry, blackberry and raspberry wines, accompanied by Irish cheese and chocolate. The offerings have different focuses: one is about practical cookery classes, while the other is about tasting and pairing wines with accompaniments. As booking arrangements may change, it is best to check directly with the provider in advance.

Woodland trails and nature

The Mount Kennedy Wood Loop is a trail managed by Coillte through a narrow valley with more than 17 tree species. The Heritage Walk has a different emphasis: it connects local history with the natural surroundings, passing through landscaped tree areas and along old boundary walls of the former estate. The trail descriptions therefore differ both in the landscapes they feature and in their historical connections.

Mount Kennedy Wood is part of an official partnership between Coillte and the local community to create a wildlife corridor. The woods are also home to a sessile oak with a trunk circumference of 6.2 metres, estimated to be more than 200 years old. Another natural area nearby is Carriggower Bog. This protected site is 4 km from Newtownmountkennedy town centre and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

County Wicklow in a wider context

County Wicklow also offers its own cultural and landscape highlights. In Glendalough, St Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of Glendalough’s Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Wicklow Way is a historic landmark: it was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. County Wicklow has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. A seasonal highlight is Rhododendron Week in Kilmacurragh, held every year in April. Check the specific dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Brittas Bay, Ballinalea, Wicklow, Blessington, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Hollywood, Tinahely, Kilcoole.

For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.