Interest in free tours of Wicklow Town Heritage Trail grows thanks to new residents
There has also been a significant uptake in interest from newcomers to the area who have been fascinated by the history and heritage of their locality, with each week attracting an increased number of overseas tourists from the UK, mainland Europe, America and Australia.
The tour includes the story of local man Robert Halpin who laid the first Trans-Atlantic cable, the history of the Abbey Grounds and the Franciscan Abbey, the story of Billy Byrne and the 1798 rising in Wicklow Town, the massacre of over 300 mainly women and children in Melancholy Lane by Sir Charles Coote in 1641, the story of the Black, the attempted landing by St. Patrick at Travelahawk Beach and the history relating to the Barrow Green.
The free weekly guided walks commence from outside the Failte Ireland Tourist office in Fitzwilliam Square at 11 am each Saturday morning until September 27.
The Wicklow Town Heritage Trail can also be self-guided and you can download the brochure for the trail by visiting wicklowtown.ie, where there are videos with various local actors telling the story of each key location.
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Irish Independent
04-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Storm Floris: Almost 3,000 homes and farms without power as Ireland misses worst of the storm
A major repair campaign is underway by ESB Networks crews with all households, farms and businesses expected to be reconnected by early on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the ESB said as of 5pm, about 2,700 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power. 'Crews will continue to work late into this evening with a view to restoring supply to the vast majority of impacted customers by tonight,' said the ESB. Despite the power cuts and travel disruption across the northwest, Ireland avoided the worst of Storm Floris which battered Scotland as it swept towards Scandinavia. Storm Floris was expected to bring winds gusting to 160kmh over Scotland - with Scottish authorities warning that the storm poses a potential risk to life. Flights, ferries and even road transport via high span bridges were severely impacted across Scotland. Several flights were cancelled in Northern Ireland because of the powerful wind gusts. A number of public attractions in coastal areas of Ulster were closed because of Storm Floris. The storm hit Ireland in the early hours of Monday morning with Status Yellow wind and rain warnings in place from 2am until 4pm for coastal counties in Connacht and Ulster. Most power outages were caused by fallen trees - with councils and ESB Networks officials concerned that the powerful storm was hitting at precisely the time trees were most vulnerable while heavily laden with leaves. Winds peaked slightly below 100kmh off the north Galway coast. Ultimately, officials were relieved that the damage caused was far less severe than initially feared. The most extensive of the power cuts hit the Tuam area of Galway where over 3,000 customers lost power. In total, more than 10,000 homes and businesses lost power at the height of the storm though the vast majority were set to be successfully reconnected by Monday evening. Storm Floris - the sixth Atlantic storm of the season - had a far greater impact on Scotland where it caused chaos for transport systems. All high span bridges across Scotland were closed amid fears of damaging wind gusts while ferries and flights were also disrupted. Water Safety Ireland have urged people to be careful near the coast over the next 24 hours. People have been warned to exercise maximum caution in the sea after the storm passes as currents could be exceptionally strong in the wake of the storm surge for some time. The RNLI and the Coast Guard have already warned about strong rip tides in some areas. Storm Floris had no impact on the major outdoor events taking place in other parts of Ireland including the All Together Now festival at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford which attracted 30,000 revellers. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann opened on Sunday and will run for the next week in Wexford. A staggering 750,000 people are expected to attend the fleadh over its week-plus event of competitions, exhibitions and street entertainment. Other major events taking place in Ireland over August bank holiday weekend included the Dublin Book Festival, the Breakwater Festival, the Spraoi Street Art Festival and the Mary from Dungloe Festival. Met Éireann said Ireland will have mixed weather in the wake of Storm Floris. "Tuesday will bring a lot of dry weather overall, with spells of sunshine. There will be a scattering of showers for a time, mainly further north with highest temperatures of 15C degrees in the north to 21C degrees further south." Tuesday night will be dry and clear with lowest temperatures of 10C to 14C. "Wednesday will bring some spells of sunshine for a time, the best of these in the east. Overall there will be a good lot of dry weather for much of the day, though it will turn increasingly cloudy, with some well scattered showers developing in the afternoon and with rain and drizzle moving into western parts later." "Highest temperatures on Wednesday will be 17C to 20C with the day turning breezy with southerly winds." Wednesday night will see winds persist as temperatures won't fall below 12C to 16C. "Any remaining rain in parts of the east and southeast will soon clear to leave a good lot of dry weather overall on Thursday, with sunshine, but with scattered passing showers too and highest temperatures of 16C to 20C." "Friday is likely to bring a good lot of cloud overall with some showers though there will also be some bright or sunny spells with highest temperatures of 16C to 20C." Met Éireann indicated that next Saturday will prove a fine day with dry weather and spells of sunshine though some areas will experience a few showers. Rain will clear over Saturday night and Sunday will prove a mix of sunshine and showers.
Irish Independent
04-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Storm Floris: At least 10,000 homes and farms without power as Ireland misses worst of the storm
A major repair campaign is underway by ESB Networks crews with all households, farms and businesses expected to be reconnected by early on Tuesday. Despite the power cuts and travel disruption across the northwest, Ireland avoided the worst of Storm Floris which battered Scotland as it swept towards Scandinavia. Storm Floris was expected to bring winds gusting to 160kmh over Scotland - with Scottish authorities warning that the storm poses a potential risk to life. Flights, ferries and even road transport via high span bridges were severely impacted across Scotland. Several flights were cancelled in Northern Ireland because of the powerful wind gusts. A number of public attractions in coastal areas of Ulster were closed because of Storm Floris. The storm hit Ireland in the early hours of Monday morning with Status Yellow wind and rain warnings in place from 2am until 4pm for coastal counties in Connacht and Ulster. Most power outages were caused by fallen trees - with councils and ESB Networks officials concerned that the powerful storm was hitting at precisely the time trees were most vulnerable while heavily laden with leaves. Winds peaked slightly below 100kmh off the north Galway coast. Ultimately, officials were relieved that the damage caused was far less severe than initially feared. The most extensive of the power cuts hit the Tuam area of Galway where over 3,000 customers lost power. In total, more than 10,000 homes and businesses lost power at the height of the storm though the vast majority were set to be successfully reconnected by Monday evening. Storm Floris - the sixth Atlantic storm of the season - had a far greater impact on Scotland where it caused chaos for transport systems. All high span bridges across Scotland were closed amid fears of damaging wind gusts while ferries and flights were also disrupted. Water Safety Ireland have urged people to be careful near the coast over the next 24 hours. People have been warned to exercise maximum caution in the sea after the storm passes as currents could be exceptionally strong in the wake of the storm surge for some time. The RNLI and the Coast Guard have already warned about strong rip tides in some areas. Storm Floris had no impact on the major outdoor events taking place in other parts of Ireland including the All Together Now festival at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford which attracted 30,000 revellers. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann opened on Sunday and will run for the next week in Wexford. A staggering 750,000 people are expected to attend the fleadh over its week-plus event of competitions, exhibitions and street entertainment. Other major events taking place in Ireland over August bank holiday weekend included the Dublin Book Festival, the Breakwater Festival, the Spraoi Street Art Festival and the Mary from Dungloe Festival. Met Éireann said Ireland will have mixed weather in the wake of Storm Floris. "Tuesday will bring a lot of dry weather overall, with spells of sunshine. There will be a scattering of showers for a time, mainly further north with highest temperatures of 15C degrees in the north to 21C degrees further south." Tuesday night will be dry and clear with lowest temperatures of 10C to 14C. "Wednesday will bring some spells of sunshine for a time, the best of these in the east. Overall there will be a good lot of dry weather for much of the day, though it will turn increasingly cloudy, with some well scattered showers developing in the afternoon and with rain and drizzle moving into western parts later." "Highest temperatures on Wednesday will be 17C to 20C with the day turning breezy with southerly winds." Wednesday night will see winds persist as temperatures won't fall below 12C to 16C. "Any remaining rain in parts of the east and southeast will soon clear to leave a good lot of dry weather overall on Thursday, with sunshine, but with scattered passing showers too and highest temperatures of 16C to 20C." "Friday is likely to bring a good lot of cloud overall with some showers though there will also be some bright or sunny spells with highest temperatures of 16C to 20C." Met Éireann indicated that next Saturday will prove a fine day with dry weather and spells of sunshine though some areas will experience a few showers. Rain will clear over Saturday night and Sunday will prove a mix of sunshine and showers.
Sunday World
04-08-2025
- Sunday World
Storm Floris: At least 10,000 homes and farms now without power
People have been warned to expect potentially dangerous travelling conditions across the north-west The west coast of Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of Storm Floris (Andrew Milligan/PA) 10,000 homes and farms without power as ESB set about restoring power lost due to Storm Floris A spokesperson for ESB this morning confirmed that yellow level winds associated with Storm Floris have led to a number of power outages across the country this morning, predominantly in the North West region. "The impact on the electricity network has been modest and in line with previous such wind warnings. "As of 10.30am, approximately 10,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power. "ESB Networks crews are mobilised in impacted areas and responding to power outages where safe to do so. "Real-time information on power outages and restoration times is available on "We apologise to all homes, farms and businesses impacted for the inconvenience caused," the spokesperson said. The ESB also shared an important safety message for the public this morning: "If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999". Public warned of potentially dangerous driving conditions The public have been warned to expect potentially dangerous travelling conditions across the north west with storm debris, fallen trees and potential structural damage to walls and buildings. ESB Networks repair crews are on standby to deal with any power outages but warned crews can only commence work when it is safe to do so. Winds are expected to gust to 100kmh-110kmh with the potential for structural damage. Of greatest concern is that the storm - the sixth Atlantic storm of the season - will hit while trees are heavily laden with leaves and are at their most vulnerable to toppling. Fallen trees traditionally cause the greatest damage to the power grid. Gardaí have urged people to drive with care and, if possible, to postpone journeys until wind conditions have eased in the areas subject to the Status Yellow alert. Road safety officials have said it is a bonus that the worst of the storm will pass across the north west early on a bank holiday Monday when traffic is at its lightest and the normal morning commute is vastly reduced. Water Safety Ireland have urged people to be careful near the coast - and not to approach exposed coastal areas during the storm. People have also been warned to exercise maximum caution in the sea after the storm passes as currents could be exceptionally strong in the wake of the storm surge for some time. The RNLI and Coast Guard have already warned about strong rip tides in some areas. Storm Floris will not impact the major outdoor events taking place in other parts of Ireland including the All Together Now festival at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford which has attracted 30,000 revellers. Festival goers may experience some rainfall - some of which could be quite heavy - on Monday but will not be impacted by Storm Floris. Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann opened on Sunday and will run for the next week in Wexford. Other major events taking place in Ireland over August bank holiday weekend include the Dublin Book Festival, the Breakwater Festival, the Spraoi Street Art Festival and the Mary from Dungloe Festival. Ralph Riegel Storm Floris set to land. Areas worst affected by power cuts due to Storm Floris: Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon: 1,645 customers (estimated restore time 11am) Carndonagh, Co Donegal: 1,080 customers Longford Town: 806 customers Boyle, Co Roscommon: 607 customers (estimated restore time 10:30am) Ballyshannon, Co Donegal: 557 customers (estimated restore time 10am) Swinford, Co Mayo: 509 customers (estimated restore time 11am) Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo: 413 customers (estimated restore time 1pm) Tulla, Co Clare: 220 customers (estimated restore time 8:15am) Glasnevin, Co Dublin: 172 customers (estimated restore time 10:30am) Newscastlwest, Co Limerick: 148 customers (estimated restore time 1pm) Kildare town: 120 customers (estimated restore time 10:15am) Storm Floris tracking over Ireland early Monday morning Northwest feeling the worst of Floris HOUSEHOLDERS across the northwest have been battered by Storm Floris as some roads have been blocked by fallen trees and thousands have been left without power. Almost 8,000 people are already without power - and the number of houses who lost electricity has yet to peak as the storm tracks across Connacht and Ulster before heading towards Scotland and Scandinavia. Despite the power cuts and travel disruption across the northwest, Ireland will avoid the worst of Storm Floris where maximum winds experienced across Connacht and Ulster are set to be just over 100kmh. In contrast, Storm Floris will bring winds potentially gusting to 160kmh over Scotland - with Scottish authorities warning that the storm poses a potential risk to life. Flights, ferries and even road transport via high span bridges are expected to be severely impacted across Scotland. The storm hit Ireland in the early hours of the morning and Status Yellow wind and rain warnings will remain in place until 4pm for some counties. Thousands of households across Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Roscommon have already lost power with further outages expected as the storm peaks across the north Connacht and Ulster coast. It is currently estimated that around 8,000 homes and businesses are without power. The worst outage is in Galway where around 3,000 customers lost power in Tuam. A total of 14 counties across the Republic and Northern Ireland are under Status Yellow wind and rain alerts. Ralph Riegel At least 7,000 without power as Floris hits the west coast of Ireland The worst of Storm Floris has been raging since the early hours of the morning as gale force winds and 'unseasonably wet' conditions threaten dangerous road conditions, with several power outages already reported. Outages began hitting homes mainly in western counties, though some further inland too, affecting almost 7,000 customers, according to the ESB. Drifting over counties along the west coast is a large band of rain which is bringing the potential for flooding and a threat of thundery conditions. On Saturday, Met Éireann issued three separate Status Yellow weather warnings for eight counties in the region. A rain warning was put in place for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo and took effect at 2am this morning. It will remain valid until 10am. The national forecaster also placed a wind warning on counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo, valid from 2am on Monday to 1pm in the afternoon. Meanwhile, another Status Yellow Wind Warning is active for counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim, valid since the slightly later time of 4am and due to expire at 4pm. Met Éireann is warning members of the public of adverse conditions such as difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, power outages and lightning damage across the affected counties. The forecaster expects the heavy rainfall from the storm to move eastwards, leaving behind some clearer spells as Storm Floris dies out in the afternoon with temperatures of between 16C and 21C. It has characterised its outlook for the rest of the week as 'unsettled'. Tomorrow will bring a welcome reprieve from the heavy rain and gale force winds of the past 12 hours as dry and warm weather is set to pervade the country, with temperatures of up to 21C. Wednesday looks like it will be a largely dry day with isolated showers in parts and maximum temperatures of 19C. Keith Kelly
