The village of Shillelagh has a new carved oak Stick sculpture in the village green.

Next to the sculpture, the interprative sign celebrates the fascinating history of the stick from its origins as a fighting weapon, to its current uses as a walking stick or parade gear.   This stunning sculpture designed by artist Joey Burns now sits proudly in the village green next to the playground. And it is hoped it will become an icon for the village.

The blackthorn stick has a long history in Irish culture and folklore and this new sculpture is a testement to the heritage that it belies.

Funding for this Shillelagh Stick came from Wicklow County Council under their towns and villages renewal scheme and it was developed by the Shillelagh People’s Property Company being the local trust that arose out of assets bequeathed to it by Lady Juliet Fitzwilliam .

Shillelagh Heritage Trail:

The Shillelagh Heritage Trail is now up and running.  This trail essentially explores the former Estate village of Shillelagh and it’s fascinating links to the Fitzwilliam family from South Yorkshire whose Irish home was Coollattin House. The estate was the largest in County Wicklow stretching 90,000 acres! The trail is 5 miles and visits the beautiful Coollattin Park, Ardeen House, the old railway station and terminus, Tomnafinnoge Woods the courthouse, and many other local heritage gems. The estate created its own electricity supply from ater and even had its own fully functioning workshops to fully serve the massive estate. Plus this trail now directly connects to the Wicklow Way and so offers walkers the chance to drop into Shillelagh Village and stay awile.