The Wicklow Coast Blueway is a Wicklow County Council initiative that will recognise, develop and promote the many rowing, swimming, sailing and kayaking opportunities along the Wicklow Coast. While Wicklow’s landscape is well known and valued by walkers, cyclists and runners, its maritime recreational resources are only beginning to be appreciated.
Currently in the final stage of the formal accreditation as a Blueway by Fáilte Ireland and Sport Ireland, the Wicklow Coast Blueway includes the maritime activity nodes of Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole, Wicklow Town, Brittas Bay and Arklow.
New maritime recreation facilities along the Blueway have already been funded via the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development. These developments are at different stages of completion and include:
- Greystones: accessible boardwalk and live camera at South Beach
- Wicklow Harbour: toilets and outdoor showers
- Brittas Bay: upgraded toilet facilities, accessible toilet and outdoor showers
- Arklow – South Beach: new boardwalk replacing the current boardwalk
- Arklow – The Cove: changing facilities to be installed
While the formal accreditation of the Blueway and its official opening will take place in 2025, the Climate, Environment, Recreation and Amenity section of Wicklow County Council and Wicklow County Tourism, have started to promote the maritime recreation opportunities. The Visit Wicklow website - https://visitwicklow.ie/blueway/ - includes a timetable of the summer maritime recreation activities and contact details for the various activity providers and clubs.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien, welcomed the Wicklow Coast Blueway project, saying, “While Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland, we are privileged to live between the mountains and the sea. The Blueway project will promote our maritime locations and recreation opportunities along the Wicklow coastline for locals and visitors to enjoy, as well as improving the facilities available at those nodes”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman commented that, “It is great for Wicklow County Council to avail of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme funding to develop the Wicklow Coast Blueway. The Blueway will help recognise the many maritime resources and beautiful locations along the Wicklow Coast”.
The Blueway information signage will be installed at the 6 locations in the coming months, with further details to be shared on Wicklow County Council’s website and social media pages.