County Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, is nestled on the east coast. Covering an area of 782 square miles, Wicklow has a dramatic landscape of rugged hinterland mountains sweeping down to a golden coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches.
The unspoiled countryside in Wicklow has several world-class golf courses, the most famous of which is Druids Glen Golf and Country Club – host to the Irish Open Championship from 1996-1999. The rivers and lakes in County Wicklow provide excellent coarse fishing and game angling. Sea angling is available off the coast.
Wicklow is derived from the Viking name ‘Vykinglo’ – the original settlements founded by the Vikings in the 8th century. The county has had a colorful history. St Kevin established a monastic site in the 6th century at Glendalough in the highlands. The lowlands of Wicklow were invaded by the Vikings.
Glendalough, the Valley of the Two Lakes, is a major destination for visitors to the county. The round tower dominates the skyline of lakes and valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy marvelous scenic walks and cycling cross-country in the mountains.
County Wicklow has an abundance of formal gardens and restored Stately homes. The magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens is renowned for its Italian-style ornamental gardens and waterfall. Avoca Handweavers still produce wonderful woolens and tweeds from the Old Avoca Mill dating back to 1723. It is the oldest working mill in Ireland.
The sheer beauty will not disappoint visitors to Wicklow of the county.
Towns in County Wicklow
The county capital is Wicklow. Other townships are Arklow, Bray, Greystones and Blessington. The population of County Wicklow is just over 1042,400.
Business Information
Agriculture in County Wicklow comprises cereals, dairy on the lower land, and sheep rearing in the mountains and hills. Agri-business to stem from farming in Wicklow include two indigenous grain drying companies and meat processors.
Tourism in County Wicklow is one of the main industries. Wicklow is blessed with a stunning coastline, a dramatic mountainous landscape and several landmark historical sites. The county is also on the doorstep of Dublin, making it an ideal retreat for city dwellers.
General manufacturing is the second largest industry in County Wicklow with a substantial contingent of overseas companies including the very successful computer company from the US – Dell Direct and Schering-Plough in Bray, a manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals.
County Wicklow’s proximity to the Dublin sea ports and airport makes it an ideal location for enterprise.
| Helpful contact details for business enquiries |
Wicklow County Enterprise Board | Tel: (353) 0404 67100 |
| Wicklow County Council | Tel: (353) 0404 67324 |
| Enterprise Ireland Regional Office | Tel:(353) 01 609 2140 |
| IDA Ireland Regional Office | Tel:(353) 01 603 4000 |
| Wicklow Rural Development | Tel: (353) 0404 46977 |
| Sources of finance applicable to business start up, development and acquisition, and related agencies, are as follows |
Credit Unions: | Tel: (353) (0)1 490 8911 |
| National Irish Bank: | Tel: (353) (0)1 678 5066 |
| Ulster Bank (Small Business Unit): | Tel: (353) (0)1 677 7623 |
| Bank of Ireland Enterprise Support Unit: | contact any branch |
| Smurfit Job Creation Enterprise Fund | Tel: (353) (0)1 478 4091 |
| The Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: TEL: (353) (0) 1 661 4444; www.irlgov.ie/entemp has extensive and very helpful advice on all aspects of business and employment in Ireland, including a business start-up information pack which is superbly put together and includes everything from planning, funding, locating, employing people and developing businesses. | |
| Travel (see also town guides) |
Dublin City is only 12 miles from the County Wicklow border. The county hosts two major roads going south from Dublin.
The mountainous center of Wicklow is served by a series of rural roads connecting all the highland towns to the coast. Bus Eireann operates a service across the county linking Wicklow to Dublin, Waterford and Rosslare. Irish Rail also runs a service down the coast of County Wicklow.
The nearest airport is Aer Rianta Dublin with daily domestic and international flights. Dun Laoghaire is the closest ferry port to County Wicklow, although the county’s southern border is only 45 miles away from Rosslare in Wexford.
| Airports | |
| Aer Rianta Dublin Airport www.dublin-airport.com | Tel: (353) 01 8141111 |
| Ferry | |
| Stena Line www.stenaline.com | Tel: (353) 01 204 7700 |
Irish Ferries www.irishferries.ie | Tel: (353) 01 555 1995 |
Swansea Cork Ferries www.swansea-cork.ie | Tel: (353) 021 271166 |
Brittany Ferries www.brittany-ferries.com | Tel: (353) 021 27801 |
| Train | |
| Iarnrod Eireann – Irish Rail www.club.ie/railnet | Tel: (353) 01 836 6222 |
| Bus | |
| Bus Eireann www.buseireann.ie | Tel: (353) 01 836 6111 |
| Tourism, Leisure and Accommodation |
| Please see town guides |