Avoca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Snappy David
Photo by Michelle Meney
Photo by John Hegarty
Photo by Estelle Byrne
Photo by Estelle Byrne
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 Avoca

Mining 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 inAvoca

A 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 App

Although 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 Avoca

The 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.

The Meetings B&B
The Meetings B&B
3 out of 5
Avoca, Avoca, County Wicklow
The price is £107 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£107
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Avoca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Avoca Mines and Mottee Stone are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Room was very warm so we needed to keep window open and our room was directly on the street."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2024

The Meetings B&B
Brooklodge & Macreddin Village
Brooklodge & Macreddin Village
4 out of 5
Macreddin Village, Macreddin Village, Wicklow
The price is £117 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£117
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Macreddin Village. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (366 reviews)
"We recently stayed at Brooklodge in Macreddin Village, and it was a beautiful spot in Ireland. Our room and accommodation were lovely, but we did feel a little isolated being accommodated far from reception, which was located near the wedding venue. Despite the quiet time, the resort was not fully ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Brooklodge & Macreddin Village
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
5 out of 5
Newtownmountkennedy, Kilmullin
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kilmullin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Druids Glen Golf Club and National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (368 reviews)
"Relaxing and friendly atmosphere"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A House in Avoca - The Garden of Ireland
A House in Avoca - The Garden of Ireland
Avoca, WW
Stay at this holiday home in Avoca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Avoca Handweavers and Mill at Avoca Village are ...
A House in Avoca - The Garden of Ireland
Abhainn Ri Cottages
Abhainn Ri Cottages
4 out of 5
Anim Dubh, Hollywood, WW
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Hollywood. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Blessington Reserve and Russborough House ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This was one of the best stays I've ever had. If you like venturing out to the countryside, please, please stop here and find that magical peace in that first morning glow before going up for breakfast. It'll be the best start of your day. It's only been a week and I miss it already. The scenery ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Abhainn Ri Cottages
Unique Lodge with Industrial Designed Interior
Unique Lodge with Industrial Designed Interior
Co. Wicklow, County Wicklow
Stay at this holiday home in Ashford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mount Usher Gardens and Sculpture in Woodland are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay! As a large family, we appreciated several rooms/baths. It was clean and everything we needed was easily found. Hosts were very responsive."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Unique Lodge with Industrial Designed Interior
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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