On R750, we made a short stop at a small "viewing area just south of Wicklow city. A park unning next to a golf course, with a public path down to the beach... with a warning sign not to go down ...but of course I did.

Local history contends that the town of Wicklow was founded by the Vikings, probably around 795 AD. The name 'Wicklow' comes from Vikinglow, meaning Meadow of the Vikings, or Wykynlo, meaning Viking Loch. However, given the town's natural harbour and rich agricultural surrounds, it is not surprising that the area was an established settlement prior to the 9th century.[2]

The origin of the Irish name Cill Mhantáin has an interesting folklore of its own. Saint Patrick is said to have attempted to land on Travailahawk beach, to the south of the harbour. Hostile locals attacked the landing party causing one of the saint's party to lose his front teeth. Manntach (toothless one), as he became known, was undeterred and returned to the town, eventually founding a church. Hence Cill Mhantáin, meaning Church of the Toothless One, although there is no evidence, material or written, for the existence of such a local holy man.