The town of Arklow developed as one of the earliest towns in Ireland by Viking Raiders in the 8th and 9th century. The name has it's origins in the name "Arknell Low" after Arknell, a petty chieftain who took this part of Wicklow as his Bounty.

By the end of the eighteenth century, Arklow was becoming an important sea port and market town. The nature of the town evolved primarily around this dependance on a seafaring economy. in 1824, the first lifeboat station in Ireland was opened in the town and one still operates today. By the late 1870's there were up to 80 vessels based in the harbour making it the biggest schooner port in the country.

Arklow has long been a popular seaside resort with fine strands north and south of the Avonmore estuary. The town was also noted for it's boat building where among it's fine examples include Sir Francis Chichester's Gypsy Moth III which won two transatlantic races and the Asgard II, a sail training vessel admired by many.

The lively shopping town of Arklow has a wide range of pubs, restaurants, accommodation and shops situated on the impressive Avoca River. A visit to the Arklow Maritime museum helps to reveal its important maritime history. Arklow also has a fine tradition in the pottery industry.

The town is an excellent base from where one can explore the Vale of Avoca and the Wicklow Mountains, which are just a few kilometers west of the town. The glorious sandy beaches of Brittas Bay and Clogga are well worth a visit. There are many activities one can participate in when you visit Arklow - angling, golfing and swimming to mention a few.

A few kilometers outside of Arklow on the road to Woodenbridge (R747) is Glenart Castle which now operates as a hotel. The castle is a heritage building and worth a visit if one wants to view a functional castle.