The Wicklow Town Passport Itinerary offers a new and fun way to discover the various things to see and do around Wicklow town.
The Wicklow Town Passport is a sub-challenge of the main Wicklow Passport where eight stamps representing the main sites and attractions are available at various stamping locations around the town.
Located along the Irish Sea, Wicklow Town is easily accessible by Train or bus, just one hour from Dublin City Centre. See the below link to plan your journey!
https://www.transportforireland.ie/plan-a-journey/
As part of the project, Wicklow County Council has introduced a Mini Wicklow Passport that can be collected free of charge at any of the stamping locations. Find all the information on this exciting challenge at the link below with full listing of stamping locations:
https://visitwicklow.ie/listing/wicklow-town-passport-trail
The below itinerary is ideal when arriving at Wicklow Town from the Train Station or, Tesco Bus Stop.
Pick up your free mini-Wicklow town passport at Costa Coffee Cafe and get your 1st stamp.
1st Stop: Church of Ireland
Photo: Church of Ireland with Cpt. Halpin resting place
Climb up Church Hill to reach the first point of Interest: Church of Ireland. The historic building dates to the early 18th Century. The adjacent cemetery is the resting place of famous local mariner Capt. Robert Halpin and offers great views over the whole Wicklow town and Irish Sea.
2nd Stop: Abbey Grounds
Photo: Abbey Grounds
The Abbey Grounds (also known as Abbey Park) in Wicklow Town is a historic 13th-century Franciscan friary site recently redeveloped by the Wicklow County Council into a public community park, featuring a social enterprise café, an amphitheatre, and a garden maze. Collect your Abbey Grounds stamp at The Rise at Abbey Grounds.
3rd Stop: St Patrick’s Church
Photo: St Patrick’s Church Wicklow Town
Built in the mid 1800’s, this roman Catholic church is known for its striking Gothic Revival architecture. A highlight of the church is its collection of beautiful stained-glass windows by renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke, celebrated for their vivid colour and intricate detail. Collect the St. Patrick’s Church stamp at Le Marché or The Sports Room (before you go up the hill or after your come down).
4th Stop: The Murrough and Wicklow Harbour
Photo: view from the North Pier into Wiclkow Harbour
Down St Patrick’s Road, turn right on the Main Street then left through the Car Park. Check the murals of the History of Wicklow along the carpark wall. Then head to Parnell Bridge to cross the River Vartry onto The Murrough. Reach the shore and walk to the ‘New Pier’ to enjoy some stunning views of the Wicklow Coast. The Pier and Harbour beach are popular swimming locations: don’t forget your swimsuit! Collect your stamp at the Brass Fox or Bridget Tavern.
5th Stop: Fitzwilliam Square
Photo: ‘The Heron’ sculpture along the quays of Wiclkow Town
Head to Fitzwilliam Square to get your Capt. Halpin stamp. A historic 1800s plaza. See the granite obelisk honouring Captain Robert Halpin who was a renowned 19th-century mariner from Wicklow Town, best known for laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable. Get your stamp at either The Coffee Shop or Kilmantin Arts Gallery.
6th Stop: The Black Castle
Photo: the Black Castle and Travelahawk Beach, landing place of St. Patrick
From Kilmantin Art gallery turn right and follow the South Quay. Climb up the Steps on your right to arrive at the ruins of the Black Castle and Travelahawk Beach. Both have significant importance! Travelahawk beach is where St. Patrick returning to Ireland first landed. The Black Castle offers a tremendous insight into Norman Heritage from the 12th Century. Get the stamp at either Healthy Habits or Flannery’s Shop.
7th Stop: Billy Byrne 1798 Monument
Photo: 1798 Billy Byrne Monument on Market Square
Walking back into town, head towards Market Square and the statue of Billy Byrne. William ‘Billy’ Byrne was a local United Irishmen Leader who was captured, tried, and executed in Wicklow in 1799, symbolising growing nationalist sentiment at the turn of the century. Get your stamp at Vlinder Coffee or Nearby Market Square just across the road!
8th Stop: Wicklow’s Historical Gaol
Photo: The entrance of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol
Wicklow Gaol is currently closed for renovation but the stamp is available at Wicklow Library.
Wicklow Gaol is just up the hill from the Billy Byrne Monument on the left. The Historic Prison dates back to the early 18th century. It housed prisoners during some of Ireland’s most turbulent times, including the 1798 Rebellion and the Great Famine. Now a museum, the Gaol offers visitors a powerful insight into Ireland’s past through immersive tours and exhibitions. Don’t forget your stamp on your way out…
Congratulations, you have collected the eight stamps available around Wicklow Town. Don’t forget to Register Your Wicklow Passport !
Why not take on the Wicklow Passport Challenge? Collect an extra seven stamps around Wicklow and become a Wicklow Ambassador. Ask for your Free Passport at the Tourist Office in Wicklow Town or purchase the main Wicklow Passport online to continue your Wicklow Adventures!
