Main walks screen
Arklow Rock
3.5-5km
Beach car park (free)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Gravel path, some hills, industrial road
Trail Reviews:
This route offers a number of options to access beaches south of Arklow. The most rewarding is the path through the quarry, leading to a hiking trail to the peak of 'Arklow Rock'. This involves crossing through a working quarry so care must be taken, particularly during working hours Mon - Sat, so it is less suitable for young children or dogs off-leash. Parking is available at the harbour, or 1km further at the 'cove': a small, sandy, sheltered swimming beach just below the quarry. If parking at the cove, approach via the road adjoining Arklow South beach/ golf course; the gravel road to the left of the quarry gates reveals a large gravelled parking area
The full trail crosses through the quarry area to an path which traverses the quarry road
uphill.
To your left you pass the 'grotto' a Marian tribute which is festooned with tributes and
relics
in honour of StBrigid. Approx 1km further along you reach the outer quarry gates, at this
point
you turn left and cross through a stile up towards a gravel track. This proceeds for approx
0.5km uphill, from this point on are fantastic coastal views across Wexford and Wicklow.
Follow
the track around, progressing downhill, to reach the level gravel paths linking the cove to
Nun's beach to the south.
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:Amazing walk with amazing views ! plenty of ups and downs. The easiest way is to go through the Quarry and then around the rock. Good footwear is a must. we stopped a few times to take in the views and chat you can drive up to the beach at the end and go for a swim!! Enjoy
Arklow Riverbank
5-8kmPublic car parking (pay)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved
Trail Reviews:
Take a walk on Arklow Riverwalk, alongside the wide and meandering Avoca River, which flows through Arklow’s town centre. A 3km gentle Riverwalk loop begins from the edge of the 19 Arches Bridge and The Bridge Hotel. Follow the river on a journey inland under the enormous weeping willows which tip the water’s surface in places. Look out for wildlife - you'll see swans, geese, squirrels, even ponies and the occasional otter along the way! Pass by the remains of the Ormond Castle, of which only a fragment remains, having been totally destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army after an attack in 1649. Dotted along the walk are several hand-carved wooden sculptures depicting native animals, created by local artist Richard White.
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:
We took this walk on a cold wet day during the week. There were some works being undertaken which means that part of this walk is currently cut off, but the river views and the swans and other wildlife were truly spectacular
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Glenart Woods
7.5kmOn-street
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Trail
Trail Reviews:
Scenic forestry trail with good gravel paths, there are also several wider loops within Glenart. Glenart Wood is situated to the south of the Avoca River and access is just 1.5km from Arklow Town centre. The Glenart Estate dates from the Norman invasion when Theobald Walter, from whom the Butlers and the Dukes of Ormond are descended, was granted large tract of lands in County Wicklow. Glenart Castle, which is now privately owned, remains and you will catch glimpses of it through the woodlands."
Glenart Woods are nestled in a small glen with streams flowing through it into the Avoca River, making for a pleasant and tranquil 5km looped walk. Walking clockwise around the loop you quickly reach another forest road on your right. Continue straight for approximately 150m and you reach a junction that leads to the "stone bridge" on the left. A slight diversion from the loop across the stone bridge affords views over Arklow and the coast. Back on the loop walk bear right at the stone bridge as you progress along the southern side of the wood. A quarry is on your right and 300m further on you turn right at a junction. A further 500m, the road bends to the right as you continue along the northern side of the walk. The loop is completed at the footbridge and walkers leave the site by retreating down the forest road on the left to the forest barrier.
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:
Glenart woods are a precious part of Ireland's heritage, and we can only hope that Coillte continue to support walkers. The tracks are well maintained and offer a range of challenging walks or runs, with mild uphills for variety.
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Nature Reserve and Pond
4kmCar Park (Free)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Trail
Trail Reviews:
The Arklow Nature and Wildlife Reserve nestles beneath the North Coastal Walk on Arklow’s north shore. The small lake which forms the centrepiece of the reserve started life as a boating lake in 1958 and is affectionately known locally as ‘the duck pond’. The lake is now a wildlife sanctuary made up of several diverse habitats, home to many water bird species such as ducks, geese, swans, grebes, and gulls
There is a viewing deck on either side of the lake, which are good for bird feeding and photo opportunities. encourages visitors to view the birds up close. The reeds provides shelter and nest sites for the Moorhen, Little Grebe, Mallard Ducks, Geese and Swans. Around the Lake is a 2km trail suitable for walkers and joggers. This path adjoins the Arklow Bay Hotel and gardens, and provides a pleasant stop-off to enjoy refreshments on the lawns that meet the edge of the walking trail. The adjacent Kynock’s Park and Coastal Walk are a nice addition to your ramble in this area. The Playground, Skatepark, Dementia Friendly Garden and Coral Leisure Centre and Pool are also adjacent.
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:
The duckpond is a fantastic walk for all the family. Well maintained tarmac paths circle the lake, with viewing access points along the route. Crossing the rock armour to the caravan park leads to some interesting, quiet beaches for fishing or swimming
Kilbride Pyramid
5kmCar Park (6 cars max)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Trail
Trail Reviews:
This is a forest trail, the first half a lane through mixed woodland and the second part along quiet roads. About 3km along the route a pyramid is revealed, this forms part of the ancient Howard graveyard. The pyramid itself is photogenic and the views over the fields of the Arklow valley towards the town are spectacular. This is a lovely walk for all the family.
Parking is available at the entrance to Kilbride woods for up to 6 cars. Kinsellas Country Market shop provides an opportunity for ice cream at either end of the journey.
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:
This walk is pleasant, a good walk for all the family as, while the road through the forest is used by locals to access their homes, it is generally quiet and peaceful, surrounded by lovely native Irish trees. We have spotted rabbits, foxes and deer along the forest track. What a surprise to encounter a pyramid along the route, the kids loved it...
Moneylands Farm
5-8km Tesco Carpark (closed overnight)Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved
Trail Reviews:
This trail from the Tesco car park takes you along the urban centre (Wexford Road) towards the outskirts of Arklow. Turn left at the roundabout after the bus stop, about 1km along. Follow this road to the end, passing The Maples housing estate to the left hand side, then take a right turn at the railway crossing, and head towards Moneylands Farm. This takes you along a remarkably undeveloped route with wonderful coastal views towards the farm which includes the 'Broken Chair' cafe. Suitable for solo walkers and family during daylight hours, gates to Moneylands farm close overnight
Reasonably safe walk with spectacular sea views when approaching Moneylands Farm. The last 1.5km is on a narrow road so beware of traffic. The Broken Chair cafe and motorhome park are within the grounds of Moneylands farm. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch (booking advisable)
Latest Reviews:
Trail rating:
This is a lovely urban walk with the delights of the Broken Chair cafe which serves delicious food daily until mid-afternoon
