Rathnew – Brickmaking History and River Landscape

Rathnew can be understood through three local themes: Rathnew Brickworks, the River Ann, known as the Slang in Rathnew, and Hunter's Hotel. Together, they represent industrial history, a river landscape and a long hotel tradition. If you want to consider more than just the name of the place when searching for a hotel, these themes offer a clear starting point.

The History of Rathnew Brickworks

Rathnew Brickworks was established in the 19th century, after high-quality clay was discovered locally. At first, high-quality bricks were made there by hand. By 1899 at the latest, the kiln was operational; it was the second of its kind in Ireland. This makes it possible to distinguish between two points in the history of local brick production: the start of handmade production after the discovery of the clay, and the later use of the kiln. Its status as the second kiln of its kind in Ireland places the brickworks’ history in a broader context, while the clay discovery and handcraft explain its origins.

River Landscape and Habitat

The River Ann connects the villages of Glenealy and Rathnew with the Broadlough Estuary. For generations, people in Rathnew have regarded it as a natural asset. Today, the Ann, known as the Slang in Rathnew, provides a natural habitat for brown trout, sea trout, eels and occasional salmon. Thus, the connections between the named places and the estuary, the river’s importance to local people and its ecological habitat all sit alongside one another. If you are interested in nature as well as industrial history, the river’s connections and the fish species mentioned offer a distinct perspective on Rathnew.

Hunter's Hotel and Its History

Hunter's Hotel has been run by the same family since 1825 and is considered one of Ireland’s oldest coaching inns. Its family history and its place among Ireland’s oldest coaching inns provide two distinct historical points of reference. Hotel guests can stroll through the hotel’s gardens. This amenity is for hotel guests. If you are planning to visit the gardens without staying at the hotel, check the current access arrangements in advance.

Getting There by Bus

Wexford Bus route 740A runs from Dublin Airport to Arklow via Rathnew, Wicklow Town and Jack Whites. For specific journey planning, please check the latest route details and timetable before travelling.

More Places to Explore in County Wicklow

The wider destination of County Wicklow has its own historical and landscape highlights. St Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in County Wicklow in the 6th century. The remains of Glendalough’s Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. This historical focus differs from Rathnew’s brickmaking history.

For landscape and walking, other details offer guidance: Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares, and the Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. County Wicklow also has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. This information answers different questions: the area figure describes the park, the history of the Wicklow Way puts the long-distance trail in context, and the selection criteria help you narrow down your walking interests.

Discover more destinations: Wicklow, Woodenbridge, Newtownmountkennedy, Ballyknockan, Brittas Bay, Bray, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Dunlavin.

For the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.