Arklow

Seaport town and resort in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, situated at the mouth of the River Avoca; population (2002) 10,000. Industries include fishing, pottery, engineering, food products, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and shipping. Shelton Abbey mansion (3 km/2 mi away), once the seat of the earl of Wicklow, is now a state forestry centre.

There is a tradition that St Patrick landed here. Arklow was seized by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, and in 1798 was the scene of fierce conflict between the British army and the Wexford Insurgents led by Father Murphy, who was killed here in a failed attempt to link forces with the United Irishmen.

There is a small maritime museum in the town centre.