Arklow

Arklow (from Old Norse Arnkell-lág, meaning "meadow of Arnkell", Irish: An tInbhear Mór, meaning "the great estuary") is a town in County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in the ninth century, Arklow was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion. Arklow's proximity to Dublin led to it becoming a thriving commuter town with a population of 14,080 at the 2011 census, making it the third largest town in the county.

Arklow is at the mouth of the River Avoca (formerly Avonmore), the longest river wholly within County Wicklow. The town is divided by the river, which is crossed by the Nineteen Arches Bridge, a stone arch bridge linking the southern or main part of the town with the northern part, called Ferrybank. The Nineteen Arches Bridge is the longest handmade stone bridge in Ireland and is considered a famous landmark. The plaque on the south end of the bridge is testimony to this.

History

The town's English name derives from Arnkell's Lág (Arnkell was a Viking leader; a "lág" (low) was an area of land). Its Irish name, Inbhear Mór or An tInbhear Mór, means the large estuary. It is also known in Irish as Inbhear Dé, from the River Avonmore's older name, Abhainn Dé. Historically it was a major seafaring town, with both the shipping and fishing industries using the port, with shipbuilding also being a major industry. The town has a long history of industry.

Arklow (barony)

Arklow (Irish: An tInbhear Mór) is a barony in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland.

Etymology

Arklow barony derives its name from the town of Arklow (from Old Norse Arnkells Lág, "Arnkell's land". The Irish name means "large estuary.")

Location

Arklow barony is located in southeastern County Wicklow, opening onto the Irish Sea, containing Wicklow Head, Mizen Head and Arklow Head.

History

The Uí Garrchon in the north and the Uí Enechglaiss in the south are noted in Arklow barony from about the 7th century. This was part of Ó Broin country after the 12th century, referred to as Crioch Branach.

List of settlements

Below is a list of settlements in Arklow barony:

References