County Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and is in the
Republic of Ireland with the county seat at Wicklow. Bordered in the north by
County Dublin, in the east by the Irish Sea, in the south by County Wexford and
in the west by the Counties of Carlow and Kildare. The dominant feature of the
terrain is the Wicklow Mountains and their foothills: the highest peak is
Lugnaquillia 926 m. The Liffey and Slaney Rivers rise within the county.
The unspoiled countryside of Wicklow has several world-class golf courses,
the most famous is Druids Glen Golf & Country Club - host to the Irish Open
Championship from 1996-1999. The rivers and lakes in County Wicklow provide
excellent coarse fishing and game angling. Sea angling is available off the
coast.
Wicklow has copper mines and a hydroelectric plant has been constructed in
the area. Its proximity to Dublin makes the region a popular one with tourists.
Glendalough has notable ecclesiastical remains. The people of the mountainous
district were long able to maintain their independence of English control, hence
Wicklow was not organized as a county until 1606. The interesting ruins and many
deep glens of the county, especially at Glendalough, are noted for their beauty.
There is an abundance of formal gardens and restored Stately homes with the
magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens renowned for its Italian-style
ornamental gardens and waterfall.
Wicklow is derived from its Viking name of Vykinglo - the original
settlements were founded in the 8th century by the Vikings. The county has had a
colourful history. St Kevin established a monastic site at Glendalough in the
highlands in the 6th century.
The Avoca hand-weavers still produce wonderful woollens and tweeds from the
Old Avoca Mill dates back to 1723. It is the oldest working mill in Ireland.