Located at just below the ruins of the Black Castle in Wicklow Town, Travelahawk is a lovely pebble beach on the Irish Sea.  Easily accessible with steps, it is a favourite location for year round swimmers.

But Travelahawk Beach is of significant heritage importance:  it is said to be the first landing of St Patrick and his followers on his return to Ireland.  Wicklow Head is the closest land to Wales.  The sheltered beach is where St Patrick tried to land in the year 432.

When attempting to land at Travelahawk Beach with his followers, St Patrick was stoned by the local people on the order of Nathai. One of his monks was struck in the face with a stone, losing his front teeth, thus earning the name Manntán, Gubby or Gap Toothed. Patrick and his monks left but he sent Manntán back to convert the Celtic people to Christianity. His legacy lives on today in that the Irish name for both the town and county of Wicklow is Cill Mhanntán, the church of Manntán.