Where is Avoca?
Avoca is one of the most scenic and best known places in County Wicklow. It is probably most famous as the location of “The Meeting of the Waters” – the subject of the famous ballad by Thomas Moore.
“Sweet Vale of Avoca! How calm could I rest
In thy bosom of shade, with the friends I love best;
Where the storms that we feel in this cold world should cease
And our hearts, like these waters, be mingled in peace”.
Click on the images for more views of Avoca:
What is in Avoca?
Avoca County Wicklow is famous for its handweaving. Avoca Handweavers are based in Avoca. As well as its handweaving Avoca brand has extended to other products in the gift niche and has many cafes and outlets throughout Ireland.
Mining played an important role in the history of Avoca. Today the remains of seven engine houses, a mineral tramway arch with a colourful mine landscape containing precipitation ponds and spoilheaps from the different eras still exist here.
The Avoca mines operated from 1720 to 1982 and were a rich source of copper. It is thought that there may have been mining there going back to the Bronze Age, and Avoca County Wicklow is indicated on a map by Ptolomy in 150 AD.
Avoca village was the location for the set of Ballykissangel, a BBC television drama which ran for six series aired from 1996 to 2001.
The Red Kite walk is a really interesting trail through woodland around Avoca village. It is a relatively easy walk of only 2.5km, but it is very popular with birdwatchers who may be lucky to see some of the Red Kites who were introduced here in 2009.
Avondale House & Forest Park is a wonderful woodland park which includes the Charles Stewart Parnell Museum. it comprises more than 500 acres of mature woodland with a wide variety trees from all over the world. There are lots of walking trails ranging from an easy 1 hour walk to harder 5 hour walks. This is a great location for a family outing especially on a fine day.
See other places in County Wicklow.