The new Wicklow Town Passport Itinerary offers a new and fun way to (re)discover the various things to see and do around town.  The Wicklow Town Passport is a sub-challenge of the main Wicklow Passport where eight new 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.

As part of the project, Wicklow County Council has introduced a new 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 into Wicklow Town from the Train Station.

1^st Stop:  Church of Ireland

Photo:  Church of Ireland with Cpt. Halpin resting place

Collect your Free Mini Wicklow Passport at Costa Café and get your first stamp.  Climb up Church Hill to reach the firs point of Interest:  Church of Ireland.  The historic building dates back to the early 18^th Century. The adjacent cemetery is the resting place of famous local mariner Cpt. Robert Halpin and offers great views over the whole Wicklow town and Irish Sea.

2^nd Stop:  Abbey Grounds

Down from Church Hill, turn right at Wentworth Place to get to the Abbey Grounds.  The Abbey Grounds are undergoing extensive work and should be re-opened late 2025.  The Abbey offers remains of a 13^th Century Franciscan Friary and when open, should become a great attractions in Wikcklow Town.  Collect the Abbey Grounds stamp at nearby Sports Room.

3^rd Stop:  St Patrick’s Church

Photo:  St Patrick’s Church Wicklow Town

Climb up St Patrick’s Road to reach the third point of interest in Wicklow Town. Built in the mid 1800’s, 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 Sports Room.

4^th 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 right through the Carp Park.  Check the murals of the History of Wicklow along the carpark wall.  Then head to Parnell Bridget to cross the River Vartry in to The Murrough.  Reach the shore and walk to the ‘North Pier’ to enjoy some stunning views of the whole Wicklow Coast.  The Pier and Harbour beach are popular swimming locations:  don’t forget your swim suit!  Collect your stamp at the Brass Fox or Bridget Tavern.

5^th Stop:  Captain Robert Halpin

Photo:  ‘The Heron’ sculpture along the quays of Wiclkow Town

Cross the river back over Bridge Street, head straight into Fitzwilliam Square to get your Cpt. Halpin stamp.  Captain Robert Halpin was a renowned 19th-century mariner from Wicklow Town, best known for laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable.  Cpt. Halpin was born in the Bridge Tavern in 1836.  Get your stamp at either the Coffee Shop or Kimantin Arts Gallery

6^th Stop:  The Black Castle

Photo:  the Black Castle and Travelahawk Beach, landing place of St. Patrick

Head back down to the Harbour, follow the South Quay then climb up the hill to arrive at the ruins of the Black Castle and Travelahawk Beach.  Both have significant importance!  Travelahawh beach is where St. Patrick returning to Ireland first landed.  The Black Castle offers a tremendous insights into Norman Heritage from the 12^th Century.  Get the stamp at either Healthy Habits or Flannery’s Shop.

7^th 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.

8^th Stop:  Wicklow’s Historical Gaol

Photo:  The entrance of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol

Wicklow Gaol is a ten minutes’ walk back into town.  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…

9^th Stop:  Get your Certificate at Wicklow Library

Photo:  Get your Wicklow Town Passport Certificate at Wiclkow Library

Congratulations, you have collected the eight stamps available around Wicklow Town.  Head towards the Wicklow Library and claim your Certificate!  Don’t forget to register your Passport at link below:

Why not taking 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!