Rathnew
Rathnew, a welcoming village in County Wicklow, makes an ideal base for visitors exploring Ireland’s celebrated “Garden County.” Located just a few minutes inland from the coastal town of Wicklow and about an hour’s drive south of Dublin, it sits close to the M11/N11, making it easy to reach by car or bus. Despite this convenience, Rathnew retains a quiet, local feel, with green fields, stone walls, and views of the Wicklow hills never far away. It offers a more relaxed alternative to larger towns, while still giving visitors quick access to the sea, mountains, and countryside.
What To Do in Rathnew
For things to do, Rathnew is particularly appealing to walkers and nature lovers. From the village you can quickly reach the Wicklow countryside, where there are country lanes, woodland paths, and coastal walks nearby. Many visitors use Rathnew as a starting point for day trips into the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough, and the famous Wicklow Way hiking route. Golfers will find several courses in the wider area, and the nearby coastline offers opportunities for sea walks, beachcombing, and simply enjoying the fresh air rolling in from the Irish Sea.
Tinakilly House
One of the most notable points of interest associated with Rathnew is Tinakilly Country House, a Victorian mansion set in wooded grounds overlooking the sea. Once home to Captain Robert Halpin, a renowned mariner who played a key role in laying the transatlantic telegraph cable, it now operates as a country house hotel and wedding venue. The house and gardens give visitors a sense of 19th‑century elegance and maritime history, and even if you are not staying there, it is an atmospheric spot for afternoon tea or a special meal. The surrounding grounds are particularly attractive in spring and summer, when the gardens are in bloom.
Rathnew Today
Rathnew itself has the feel of a traditional Irish village, with local shops, pubs, and community facilities that give visitors a glimpse of everyday life. Spending some time in a local pub or café is a pleasant way to meet residents and experience genuine Wicklow hospitality. The village is close to Wicklow Town, where you can visit Wicklow Gaol, explore the harbour, or stroll along the seafront. This proximity means visitors can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, heritage sites, and services while still returning to the quieter setting of Rathnew in the evening.
History
Historically, Rathnew and the surrounding area have deep roots in County Wicklow’s rural and maritime story. The landscape reflects centuries of farming, with fields bounded by old stone walls and hedgerows. Nearby Wicklow Town has long been a strategic coastal settlement, and Rathnew’s history is interwoven with the wider development of the region through agriculture, trade, and transport. Over time, the village has grown as a residential and community hub just outside Wicklow, balancing its traditional character with modern amenities and links to Dublin.
Just 15 kilometres from Rathnew stands Avondale House. and Forest Park. The house which was the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, is surrounded by gardens and woodlands with walkways open to the public.
Just 1.5 kilometres from the village is the famous charming Hunters Hotel which is over 300 years old. This hotel is renowned for its old-world charm and hospitality, afternoon tea, beautiful surroundings. It is a member of the Blue Book which is reserved for a selectt few of Ireland’s finest hotels.
Visitors
For visitors, Rathnew offers a blend of convenience and charm: easy access to some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery, a peaceful village atmosphere, and a sense of authentic local life. You can stay in one of the local accommodations and use it as a base for touring County Wicklow, or just stop for a meal on your way along the east coast,
Either way Rathnew is a pleasant place to stop when you are visiting County Wicklow
