Wicklow's Hollywood Sign and Trail - Wicklow County Tourism

Overlooking Hollywood village, the Hollywood sign is more than just letters on the hill; it serves as a powerful symbol of cultural connection and community pride. This iconic sign with letters mirroring the famous Californian landmark, reminds visitors of the Wicklow connection to Los Angeles.

In 1850, Wicklow village native, Matthew Guirke, sailed to America after the Famine, seeking a better life. When he arrived in the foothills of Los Angeles, he named his homestead after his native village.

This powerful symbol of ambition and heritage celebrates the unique bond between this small, yet vibrant, Irish community and the broader narrative of Hollywood, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging future generations to dream big.

Hollywood village’s gateway to transformation is also reflected in the 6th century, when St. Kevin spent time in Hollywood before relocating to Glendalough, and the Church of St. Kevin, dating back to this period, reflects that illustrative history, while also reinforcing Wicklow’s identity as a hub for arts and creativity, with the sign paying tribute to the Irish film industry.

Not only is the sign visible from a distance, but the new sign is also accessible by foot. A new purpose built pathway enables people to visit the upgraded aluminum sign for the first time which permits them to visit a site which they could only photographed previously. The well-finished and accessible sign is no longer simply a landmark visible from a distance; safe, fenced paths transform it into an attraction to be visited by tourists and community alike.

Photo credit: Cici