Did you know that St. Patrick’s historic landing in 432 took place here in Wicklow? From the shores of Travelahawk Beach, where St. Patrick first set foot, to iconic monastic settlements, Wicklow bears the enduring mark of his early Christian influence. Delve into Wicklow’s rich Christian heritage by exploring some of the historical landscapes and sacred sites available in the Garden County.
Travelahawk Beach
Beyond its scenic pebble shoreline and natural charm, Travelahawk Beach is a significant heritage site which served as the reputed landing site of St. Patrick upon his return to Ireland in 432. As the closest land to Wales, this sheltered beach is where the saint first set foot, making it an intrinsic part of Wicklow’s rich Christian heritage.
Glendalough Monastic City
Established in the 6th century, Glendalough’s Monastic City offers a glimpse into Ireland’s early monastic settlements. This St. Patrick’s Day, explore the site’s historical features and experience a profound glimpse into the history of Ireland’s spiritual heritage.
Baltinglass Abbey
Founded in 1148, Baltinglass Abbey stands as a timeless testament to Ireland’s past, with its striking Gothic arches and rich historical significance.
Step into the world of Early Christian Ireland as you explore the remnants of this ancient abbey, offering a captivating journey through centuries of heritage.
Church Mountain Passage Tomb
Amidst the scenic beauty of Church Mountain lies a fascinating relic of Ireland’s ancient past. At its summit rests the remains of an early Christian Church and a circular cairn of stones, likely a former passage tomb dating back to the Neolithic period.
Discover one of Ireland’s oldest examples of stone-age heritage at Church Mountain, offering breath-taking views and insights into Irish history spanning over 3,000 years.
St. Valery’s Cross
Valery’s Cross is a free-standing granite structure standing at 1.40 meters. This historic feature, identifiable by its circular head and truncated cone base, likely dates back to the 12th century.
Belonging to a small group of crosses in the Dublin/North Wicklow Area, it serves as a tangible link to the early Christian heritage, continuing the legacy established by St. Patrick some seven centuries prior.
St Mark’s Cross – Blessington
Blessington Village Cemetery is home to the towering St. Mark’s Cross, a majestic symbol of Ireland’s enduring religiosity. This cross boasts intricate details, including a distinctive unpierced ring and a single boss on each face.
Dating back to the 13th century, St. Mark’s Cross is a long-standing testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of Old Irish society, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Wicklow.
Aghowle Church
Aghowle Church is a remarkable 12th-century structure that stands as a testament to Wicklow’s early Christian heritage. Explore the well-preserved Romanesque architecture and intricate details of this historic site. This St. Patrick’s Day, visit Aghowle Church to gain insight into the historical ingenuity and enduring heritage of Co. Wicklow.
