Wicklow
From Freepedia
Wicklow (Cill Mhantáin in Irish) is the county town of County Wicklow in the Republic of Ireland. Located south of the capital Dublin on the east coast of Ireland, it has a population of 9,355. The town lies along the N11 route between Dublin and Wexford. Wicklow is also connected to the rail network with Dublin commuter services now extending to the town. Additional services connect with Arklow, Wexford and Rosslare, a main Ferry Port. There is also a commercial port, mainly importing timber.
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Town History
Local history contends that the town of Wicklow was founded by the Vikings, probably around [[870 AD. The name 'Wicklow' comes from 'Vikinglow', meaning 'meadow of the vikings', or more likely 'Wykynlo', meaning 'Viking Loch'. However, given the town's natural harbour and rich agricultural surrounds, it is not surprising that the area was an established settlement prior to the 9th century.
The Irish name Cill Mhantáin has an interesting history of its own. St. Patrick is said to have attempted to land on Travelahawk beach, to the south of the harbour. Hostile locals attacked the landing party causing one of the Saint's party to lose his front teeth. Manntach (toothless one), as he became known was undeterred and returned to the town, eventually founding a church. Hence "Cill Mhantáin', meaning "Church of the toothless one".
It is interesting to note that the English language 'Wicklow' placename bears no relation to the original Irish of Cill Mhantáin (Church of Mantáin). This is most likely due to the Normans who came to dominate the area and preferred the non-Gaelic placename. The Norman influence can still be seen today in some of the town's place and family names.
After the Norman invasion Wicklow was granted to Maurice FitzGerald who set about building the 'Black Castle', a land-facing fortification that lies ruined on the coast immediately south of the harbour.
The surrounding County of Wicklow is rich in bronze age monuments. The oldest remaining human settlement in the town is the franciscan Abbey, located within the gardens of the local Catholic parish grounds.
Geography
Wicklow town occupies a rough circle around Wicklow harbour. To the immediate North lies 'The Murrough', a popular grassy walking area beside the sea, and the eastern coastal strip. The land rises into rolling hills to the West. The dominant feature to the south is the rocky headland known as 'Wicklow Head', the easternmost mainland point in the Republic of Ireland (technically the easternmost point in the Republic is on Lambay Island off Co. Dublin).
A changing town
Since 1995, the town has undergone dramatic change and expansion. This change consists almost entirely of expanding housing estates catering for commuters to the capital, Dublin, which lies 42km to the North. The town, which had a population of just 6,500 in 1990 is due to double that number by 2005.
See also
External links
- Wicklow Chamber of Commerce
- 62nd Infantry Battalion Unofficial website of the local Army Reserve Unit
