East of Main Street lies the Rock of Kilcoole, an ancient Cambrian formation with views from Wicklow Head to Bray Head. The village’s history also reaches far back: the ruins of the Church of St Comgall are an early Christian site after which Kilcoole is named. Here, then, landscape and history meet in specific places, not just in place names.
Coast and Birdlife
Kilcoole Beach is made up of stones and pebbles and is suitable for birdwatching. Little terns have been nesting here for over 100 years; BirdWatch Ireland has been working to protect them since 1985. Seasonal regulations may vary. Check current notices if you plan to visit the beach for birdwatching.
The coast at Kilcoole is accessible only on foot from a cul-de-sac that leads to the railway line. From the station by the sea, the Coastal Path follows the beach north to Greystones or south to Newcastle Nature Reserve. The two directions offer different destinations to choose from. Check local conditions before setting out for a walk.
Trails with Different Destinations
The historic Mass Path leads from Kilcoole to the parish church of Kilquade. An old walled garden lies along the route. The Ballydonarea Loop Walk takes a different route: it leads from Kilcoole along a farm access road and a rural footpath to the coast, then returns via Sea Road. The two walks therefore differ in both destination and route: the Mass Path passes the church and garden, while the Ballydonarea Loop takes in the coast and returns via Sea Road.
Rail Connections and Planning Your Trip
Kilcoole is a station on the InterCity route from Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort. At Kilcoole Beach, Kilcoole has a railway halt with direct connections to Dublin on the Europort Rail Commuter Line. Check the operator’s current timetable before travelling. When looking for a holiday rental in Kilcoole, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on: are you mainly interested in the coast and birdwatching, historic trail destinations, or rail connections?
County Wicklow: Nature and History
In County Wicklow, St Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow also has a long history: a monastery stood there in the 7th century. In 1996, a 21-hectare section of Kilmacurragh’s former demesne became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Kilmacurragh also hosts Rhododendron Week each April; check the event dates before travelling.
The Wicklow Mountains National Park in County Wicklow covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. Diving in the Upper Lake at Glendalough is permitted subject to a permit from the National Parks & Wildlife Service; check the current permit requirements. The Wicklow Way passes through County Wicklow and was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. County Wicklow also has more than 50 walking trails to choose from by length, location, type, theme and difficulty.
Discover more destinations: Oldbridge, Ballyknockan, Wicklow, Ballinalea, Avoca, Newtownmountkennedy, Rathnew, Donard.
For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.
