Arklow 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.
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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.
Best Things to Do in Arklow#
Arklow Bucket List#
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.
December - February
3 - 8°C (37 - 46°F)
Cold, wet and blustery with few daylight hours; many coastal walks are muddy, but storm-watching is dramatic and museums/cafés provide cosy escape.
March - May
6 - 15°C (43 - 59°F)
Spring brings blossoms, longer daylight and milder sea breezes; trails dry out, pubs fill with locals, and the town feels lively without summer crowds.
June - August
13 - 20°C (55 - 68°F)
Warmest, sunniest time-perfect for beaches, fishing trips, and mountain walks; occasional rainy days, but generally pleasant and energetic with outdoor festivals.
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 is best navigated by a mix of train or regional bus for longer journeys and walking or cycling locally. Renting a car gives the most freedom if you want to explore rural County Wicklow and quiet coastal spots.
- Car / Rental (€30-€70/day (rental)) - Driving is the most flexible way to explore County Wicklow and the surrounding coast. The drive from Dublin Airport to Arklow is roughly 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic; parking in town is generally straightforward but check for paid zones. A rental car is useful for reaching nearby beaches and hill walks off public‑transport routes.
- Iarnród Éireann (Train) (€8-€15) - The local Arklow station sits on the Dublin-Rosslare line and is convenient for travel to Dublin and south to Wexford/Rosslare. Trains are comfortable for day trips but can be limited outside peak times, so check timetables in advance. Arriving by train avoids town traffic and drops you close to the centre.
- Bus Éireann / Regional Buses (€6-€12) - Regional buses link Arklow with Dublin, Wicklow and neighbouring towns; they’re usually the cheapest option and run multiple times a day on main routes. Buses can be slower in peak traffic but often have more frequent departures than trains for some destinations.
- Taxi / Rideshare (€25-€80 (typical local/airport transfers)) - Taxis are widely available for short trips or airport transfers; fares from Dublin Airport will be significantly higher than coach + train combinations. Taxis are handy for late arrivals or when travelling with luggage.
- Cycling - Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the immediate coastline and countryside around Arklow. Roads can be narrow-use caution-and some nearby attractions are easier reached by bike than on public transport. Bring lights and waterproofs in changeable weather.
- Walking - Arklow town centre is compact and easily walkable; walking is the best way to explore the harbourfront, shops and local pubs. Nearby coastal paths and short hikes are accessible on foot from town.
Where to Stay in Arklow#
Harbour / Town Centre - €40-90/night
Basic B&Bs and a small waterfront hotel serve Arklow. Options are limited outside summer; book ahead for bank holidays or fishing events.
Arklow Bay Hotel - Simple waterfront rooms, pub and restaurant
Harbour / Main Street - €80-130/night
Small mid-range hotel and family-run guesthouses around the harbour provide dependable rooms and on-site dining. Limited boutique options in town.
Arklow Bay Hotel - Harbourfront location with comfortable rooms
Nearby Wicklow / Dublin (drive) - €150+/night
There are no true luxury hotels in Arklow. For upscale stays, consider nearby Wicklow Town or Dublin (40-60 minutes away) for more choices.
Where to Eat in Arklow#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Arklow’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
