Avoca: A Quaint Village in County Wicklow

Discover Avoca, County Wicklow: a picturesque village with a rich history of handweaving, scenic landscapes, and copper mining heritage.

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Avoca

Nestled in a picturesque valley in County Wicklow, Avoca is a charming village known for its scenic beauty, handweaving heritage, and historical copper mines. The village sits on the River Avoca, at the meeting point of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers, celebrated in Thomas Moore's famous song, 'The Meeting of the Waters'. Avoca offers visitors a tranquil escape with opportunities to explore its rich history and stunning landscapes.

A brief summary to Avoca

Avoca, Co. Wicklow, IE

Local tips

Visit the Avoca Mill to witness traditional handweaving techniques and purchase authentic Irish woolen goods.
Take a walk to the Meeting of the Waters, where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers meet, and see the tree stump where Thomas Moore was inspired to write his famous poem.
Explore the remains of the Avoca copper mines to learn about the area's industrial past.
Enjoy a scenic hike on the Avoca Red Kite Loop for a chance to spot red kites and experience the area's natural beauty.
Check out the Mottee Stone, a huge granite boulder on top of a hill, for spectacular views.

Getting There

Public Transport

The primary public transportation to Avoca is via Bus Éireann. From Dublin, take a bus to Arklow, and then transfer to the local route 183 or 133L to Avoca. Single fares on Bus Éireann typically cost between €2-€4 for short trips within County Wicklow. Check the Moovit app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and fares.
Driving

Avoca is accessible by car via the R752 regional road. From Dublin, take the N11/M11 southbound, then exit for the R752 towards Avoca. The drive is approximately one hour, depending on traffic. Parking is available in the village, but it can be limited during peak tourist season. There are no tolls on the direct route to Avoca. Parking is generally free in the village, but be mindful of any posted restrictions.
Walking

Once in Avoca village, most attractions are within walking distance. The Avoca Mill, Meeting of the Waters, and local shops are all easily accessible on foot. Walking along the Avoca River is a pleasant way to explore the area. Be aware that some walking routes may have uneven terrain.

Discover more about Avoca

Avoca, derived from the Irish word 'Abhóca' meaning 'little treasure,' is a captivating village located near Arklow in County Wicklow, Ireland. The village is set in a stunning valley alongside the Avoca River and has a rich history rooted in copper mining and handweaving. For centuries, Avoca has been associated with its copper mines, which began operating around 1720 and continued, with interruptions, until 1982. Some suggest mining activity may have occurred as far back as the Bronze Age. While the mines are no longer active, visitors can still see remnants of engine houses, bridges, and spoil heaps, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Avoca is also renowned for its handweaving tradition, with Avoca Handweavers based in the village. Established in 1723, the Avoca Mill is Ireland's oldest working handweaving mill. Visitors can tour the mill, observe the weaving process, and purchase woolen goods made with local yarns. The Wynne sisters transformed Avoca in the 1920s by introducing vibrant colors to the weaving process. The village's beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the BBC series 'Ballykissangel'. Visitors can explore the village's quaint streets and stone cottages, set against a backdrop of rolling green countryside. The Meeting of the Waters, where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers converge, is located about 3 kilometers from Avoca village and is marked by a tree stump where Thomas Moore is said to have written his famous song. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy woodland hikes, fishing on the Avonbeg River, and exploring the Mottee Stone, a large granite boulder offering panoramic views. The Avoca Red Kite Loop provides a scenic walk through Kilmagig Woods, offering a chance to spot the recently reintroduced red kite.