Ireland Leinster Wicklow

Wicklow is the county town of County Wicklow, Located south of Dublin on the east coast of the island. There is a commercial port, mainly importing timber and textiles. The River Vartry is the main river which flows through the town. Vikings landed in Ireland around 795 AD and began plundering monasteries and settlements for riches and to capture slaves. In the mid-9th century, Vikings established a base which took advantage of the natural harbour at Wicklow. It is from this chapter of Wicklow's history that the name 'Wicklow' originates. Though the surrounding County of Wicklow is rich in bronze age monuments, the oldest surviving settlement in the town is the Franciscan Abbey (ruined). This is located at the west end of Main Street, within the gardens of the local Roman Catholic parish grounds.