Introduction to Wicklow
Wicklow is the garden of Ireland due to its sheer and unspoilt beauty. Wicklow has some of the most beautiful countryside and mountains in Ireland.
A Brief History of Wicklow
Local history contends that the town of Wicklow was founded by the Vikings, probably around 870 AD. The name 'Wicklow' comes from 'Vikinglow', meaning 'meadow of the vikings', or more likely 'Wykynlo', meaning 'Viking Loch'. However, given the town's natural harbour and rich agricultural surrounds, it is not surprising that the area was an established settlement prior to the 9th century.
The Irish name Cill Mhantáin has an interesting history of its own. St. Patrick is said to have attempted to land on Travailahawk beach, to the south of the harbour. Hostile locals attacked the landing party causing one of the Saint's party to lose his front teeth. Manntach (toothless one), as he became known was undeterred and returned to the town, eventually founding a church. Hence "Cill Mhantáin', meaning "Church of the toothless one". There is however no evidence, material or written, that such a local holy man ever existed and the name Cill Mantain could in theory be assigned as a toponym, suggesting a chapel overlooking the rather gap-toothed topographical shape of the local harbour.[citation needed]
The English-language 'Wicklow' placename bears no relation to the original Irish Cill Mhantáin ('Church of Mantáin'). The Normans who came to dominate the area, preferred the non-Gaelic placename. The Norman influence can still be seen today in some of the town's place and family names.
After the Norman invasion Wicklow was granted to Maurice FitzGerald who set about building the 'Black Castle', a land-facing fortification that lies ruined on the coast immediately south of the harbour.
The surrounding County of Wicklow is rich in bronze age monuments. The oldest existing settlement in the town is the Franciscan Abbey, located at the west end of Main Street, within the gardens of the local Roman Catholic parish grounds.
Other notable buildings include the Town Hall and the Gaol, built in 1702 and recently renovated as a heritage centre and tourist attraction. The East Breakwater, arguably the most important building in the town, was built in the early 1880s by Wicklow Harbour Commissioners. The architect was William George Strype and the builder was John Jackson of Westminster. The North Groyne was completed by about 1909 - John Pansing was the designer and Louis Nott of Bristol the builder. The Gaol was a place of execution up to the end of the 19th century and it was here that Billy Byrne, a leader of the 1798 rebellion, met his end in 1799. He is commemorated by a statue in the town square. At Fitzwilliam Square in the centre of Wicklow town is an obelisk commemorating the career of Captain Robert Halpin, commander of the telegraph cable ship Great Eastern who was born in Wicklow in 1836, and arguably the most important mariner in global 19th century maritime history
Areas of Interest in Wicklow
Saint Josephs Gardens
This garden is one acre in size and is divided into smaller areas. The front garden has a large lawn, surrounded by mixed borders, there are trees, shrubs, grasses, roses and lots of perennials. The rose garden is full of many varieties of roses. A smallarea with a summer house and shrub border leads into a larger garden. A stream flows through here.
There is a white border and a blue and yellow mixed border. Lots of ideas and surprises throughout the garden. Awarded Bray Gardener of the Year 1997 & '98and National Garden Competition prize winner 1998.
Parnell National Memorial Park
Parnell National Memorial Park has, since its creation proved to be an outstanding tourist amenity, with its bronze statue of Parnell, its walks, ponds, trees, free car park and restful seating areas.
Baltinglass Abbey
The Abbey was founded in 1148 by Dermot Mc Murrough, King of Leinster for the Cistercian of monks. In 1228 it is recorded that there were thirty six monks and fifty lay brothers living there. The Abbey ceased to function in the mid sixteenth century but fragments of the church and traces of the cloister survive.
The nave aisle has alternate squares and cylindrical piers, the bases and capitals of which are decorated with a range of designs. The bases of two Romanesque doorways and the well preserved sedilla in the presbytery are also of interest. Adjoining the abbey is a great pyramid style granite mausoleum, built in 1832 as a tomb for the Stratford family.
Humewood Castle And Sporting Estate
Humewood Castle, magnificent Victorian mansion, is an ideal venue for overnight stay, corporate events, weddings and conferences. 14 bedrooms are luxurious with four poster beds, their own specific theme and plush fabrics, excellent cuisine and superb cellar.
Activities include clay pigeon shooting, golf within the area, four lakes provide trout and pike fishing, polo and horse riding, cycling and tennis.
Greenan Farm Museum & Maze
Greenan Farm Museum & Maze situated at Greenan in the midst of the Wicklow mountains. The Farmhouse museum is a restored 1798 safe house used by rebel Michael Dwyer, houses a Bottle Museum and displays typical 19th & 20th century interior. The farm museum is in an extensive two-story barn, exhibits date from 1800's to 1920's. The maze is large, mature, difficult to solve, fun for everyone. The new "Solstice Maze" is a relaxing contemplative experience. It is set in a large stone circle with paths that lead to four standing stones. Also nature walks, tearoom, craft shop and sculpture trail.
The Blessington Lakes
Serenely set in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the Blessington Lakes cover 5,000 acres of tranquil clean water. The lakes were formed 50 years ago by the building of the Poulaphouca Dam and hydro-electric power station and today serve a dual purpose of providing power and water supply to the Dublin region. Many amenities can be enjoyed in the Lakes area.
Knockananna Museum
Located in the Old Church, this is a museum with an old kitchen, which contains artifacts from old houses in the surrounding area.
Wicklow's Historic Gaol
³A Story of Crime, Cruelty, Exile and Misery²
Experience the harshness of prison life in the 18th Century, the passion of the 1798 rebellion, the cruelty of the transportation ships and hope of a new life in Australia.
The original Gaol Dungeon is open again for the first time in over 100 years. Dare you come and experience first hand the harshness of life in the Dungeon, where you will see the punishments being meted out and hear the anguished cries of the prisoners or you could just sit in the solitude cell and feel the desperation of those that were there before you.
Traditional Music and Craic in Wicklow