Granite in buildings, bridges and walls has earned Aughrim its nickname, the “Granite Village”. There are also waterside paths, a rich local history and wooded hills around the village. If you’re looking for accommodation in Aughrim, you can shape your stay around a variety of interests: explore architecture and memorial sites, take a walk or spend time enjoying the nature along the river.
Granite, River and Local History
Aughrim lies on the R747 regional road between Arklow and Baltinglass, and is a gateway to the southern slopes of the Wicklow Mountains and to Aughavannagh. The picturesque surroundings include wooded hills near the confluence of the Ow and Derry Rivers. The Aughrim River itself is formed at the confluence of the Ow and Derry Water rivers. It is an important habitat for dippers and herons, and is rich in brown trout.
The local granite also tells the story of the area’s buildings. St John’s Church dates from 1913 and was built using granite from the local Tinakilly quarry. A monument erected in 1998 in the village centre commemorates those involved in the 1798 Rebellion. Rednagh Bridge was the site of a skirmish between Crown forces and rebels during the Rebellion. A marble plaque honouring Anne Devlin can also be seen on a bridge in Aughrim beside Market Square House.
Walking Trails with Different Starting Points
The Sean Linehan Walk starts at Tinakilly Bridge on the east side of Aughrim. This easy circular trail is four kilometres long, passes through woodland alongside Ballycreen Brook and takes about 60 minutes. Jim’s Way is another circular trail: it starts at the Square in the village and is about a mile long. Along the way, it passes an impressive cross erected to commemorate the family year and Pope Francis’s visit to Ireland. The different trail lengths and the specific estimated time for the Sean Linehan Walk can help you choose a suitable walk for your stay.
The Ciaran Shannon Way can be accessed via Rednagh Road. In addition, walkers still use the railway bridge to the mill as a shortcut from Killacloran into the village. These paths and connections offer different starting points for a walk; however, their descriptions do not indicate that they form a single circular route.
Fishing, Crafts and the Market
The National Disabled Angling Facility in Aughrim is a put-and-take fishing pond. Fishing rods and bait can be hired there, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. As the information about this offering concerns current operating details, it’s advisable to check conditions and availability before travelling.
If you’d like to make something yourself, Studio Upper Aughrim offers pottery and woodturning courses for adults and children. Please confirm course availability before your trip. The Aughrim Country Fair sells fresh local produce, homemade food and crafts. As market arrangements can change, it’s worth checking dates and times before planning a visit specifically to the fair.
County Wicklow as a Regional Setting
County Wicklow offers further opportunities to explore culture and nature. At Glendalough, St Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and visitors. The Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail, is another regional walking attraction. These features add to the picture of County Wicklow without replacing Aughrim’s own local history and trails.
Discover more destinations: Donard, Brittas Bay, Ballyknockan, Blessington, Baltinglass, Wicklow, Dunlavin, Rathnew.
For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.
