Avoca is a small townin CountyWicklow, Republic of Ireland. It sits close to where the rivers Avocaand Avonbeg converge, and it has the charm of an archetypal rural Irish townthat, perhaps, only its use as the location for the hit BBC show Ballykissangelcan bestow.
The tiny streets and small stone cottages of Avoca,set against a backdrop of rolling green countryside, create a feeling oftranquillity and relaxation. There’s more to Avocathan just a place to unwind, however, since it is an area rich in history andoffers a range of activities to suit all tastes.
The Historyof AvocaMining has played an important role in the history Avoca.The area is mentioned on maps dating back to the Roman era, and copper has beenmined here since the 1700s. The remains of the old mines, including enginehouses and a mineral tramway arch, are still visible today.
Avoca is also famousfor hand weaving, a traditional skill which has been used to fashion handmadefabrics for centuries. There is still aworking hand weaving mill in Avoca, situated onthe banks of the River Avoca. As well as a storeselling traditional fabric items and gifts and a cafe, visitors can enjoy atour around the mill itself, the oldest working mill in Ireland. It has been producing fine fabrics since 1723and the original whitewashed buildings are well worth a visit.
Take the Rathdrum Road through Avoca,past the point where the rivers Avoca and Avonbegmeet, and a pathway up to the top of the hill will bring you to the impressiveMottee Stone. This is a large white granite boulder deposited on top of thehill at the end of the Ice Age, although a colourful local legend has it thatit was thrown there from the top of Lugnaquilla Mountain by the legendaryfigure of Fionn MacCumhaill.
Shopping inAvocaA stay in Avoca isn’tall about exploring the past, however. The shopping on offer, for example, runsthe gamut from traditional craft goods and local farm produce to large scaleshopping centres and high street names. Wander around the town and browse aselection of designer jewellery, hand crafted Shillelagh sticks and artproduced by local artists. The Bridgewater Shopping Centre in nearby Arklowoffers mainstream high street retail, whilst nearby Macreddin Village hosts afood market on the first Sunday of every month between April and October.
Avoca AppAlthough much of the appeal of Avocalies in its old world charm, the tourist experience on offer is firmly embeddedin the 21st century, thanks to the Wicklow Tourism app for androidsand smartphones. Download the app whilst staying in Avocaand you’ll be able to access real time information on amenities, attractions,shopping, food, drink, accommodation and everything else that will help youfall in love with this place.
Booking a Tripto AvocaThe hills, fields and forests surrounding Avocaprovide excellent walking and hiking opportunities throughout the year. Nearbygolf courses such as Woodenbridgeand Arklow offer a sporting challenge that is hard to refuse. Meanwhile thegolden beaches of the Wicklow coast are just a short drive away.
Avocais more than an archetypal Irish small town: it’s an archetypal holidaylocation.