Arklow Travel Guide
City City in Leinster, Ireland
Arklow pours the Avoca River into Wicklow Bay; anglers, seafood diners and boaters come for the quay, granite piers, shipbuilding history and quick access to Wicklow’s coastal cliffs.
Why Visit Arklow? #
Coastal charm and rugged Wicklow coastline make Arklow appealing to travelers seeking seaside walks and fresh seafood. The town’s Arklow Bay and nearby Avoca village anchor a mix of maritime history and craft shops, while the local seafood chowder and harborfront pubs offer authentic tastes and music sessions. Easy access to the Wicklow Mountains and coastal trails means nature and village culture sit close together. It’s a low-key base for exploring Ireland’s east coast.
Top Things to Do in Arklow
All Attractions ›
- Arklow Maritime Museum - Museum telling local maritime history, shipbuilding heritage, and naval exhibits.
- Arklow Harbour - Working harbour with walking routes, fishing activity and riverside cafés.
- Arklow Town Park - Small riverside park with picnic spots, playground and views across the Avoca estuary.
- Avoca Handweavers (nearby Avoca) - Historic weaving mill selling textiles, artisan foods, and café tucked by the river.
- Arklow Historical Walking Route - Self-guided route highlighting shipbuilding sites, memorials and old industrial architecture.
- Local seafood stalls - Small stalls selling fresh local seafood beside the quay, perfect for informal tasting.
- Glendalough - Monastic site with twin lakes, round tower, and extensive walking trails.
- Wicklow Mountains National Park - Mountain scenery, lakes, and drives through Sally Gap and scenic valleys.
- Avondale House and Forest Park - Former home of Charles Stewart Parnell with woodland walks and arboretum nearby.
Best Time to Visit Arklow #
Visit Arklow between late spring and summer for the mildest weather, longest days and best chance of dry coastal walks. Winters are typically cool and very wet, so plan indoor options then.
Best Time to Visit Arklow #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (871 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Arklow
Arklow is easiest reached via Dublin Airport (DUB) or by ferry into Rosslare Europort with onward rail and bus links. The town sits on the Dublin-Rosslare rail line and is well served by regional buses.
Dublin Airport (DUB): From Dublin Airport you can reach Arklow by combining an airport coach or city bus with Irish Rail. Aircoach (to Dublin city centre) costs around €7-€9 and takes ~25-40 minutes to the city; from Dublin Connolly station the train to Arklow on the Dublin-Rosslare line takes roughly 1h-1h30 (single fares to Arklow typically fall in the ~€8-€15 range depending on advance purchase).
Rosslare Europort (ferry port, arrivals from UK/Ireland): If you arrive by ferry at Rosslare Europort, Arklow is reachable by a direct regional bus or a short drive. Bus Éireann regional services and private coaches connect Rosslare and Arklow in about 1-1.5 hours; expect fares in the €6-€12 range.
Train: Arklow has an Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) station on the Dublin-Rosslare line (Arklow station). Trains run to/from Dublin Connolly (journey ~1h-1h30 depending on service); fares are distance‑based (typical single fares to/from Dublin are roughly €8-€15).
Bus: Bus Éireann and private coach operators serve Arklow from Dublin and neighbouring towns. Journey times from Dublin are about 1h-1h30 depending on traffic; typical one-way fares are commonly €6-€12. Local taxis and regional shuttle services cover connections not served by rail.
How to Get Around Arklow #
Arklow’s town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot; most attractions, shops and the waterfront are within a short walk. There is local bus service and a regional rail station connecting to larger towns, plus taxis and car hire for exploring County Wicklow. Expect typical Irish short-hop bus fares and modest taxi fares; a car is useful for reaching rural sights outside town.
Where to Stay in Arklow #
- Arklow Bay Hotel - Simple waterfront rooms, pub and restaurant
- Arklow Bay Hotel - Harbourfront location with comfortable rooms
Where to Eat in Arklow #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Arklow's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Arklow #
Nightlife in Arklow is low-key: mainly traditional pubs and a few bars along the main streets and waterfront. Evenings are best for relaxed pints, conversation and occasional live music nights. If you want a wider late-night scene or clubs, plan to travel to larger towns or Dublin.
Shopping in Arklow #
Shopping in Arklow is focused on a small high street and independent shops rather than large malls. You’ll find everyday stores, a handful of cafés and services catering to locals. For anything specialty or bigger-brand, nearby larger towns or Dublin offer more options; markets and seasonal craft stalls appear occasionally in town.
