With its easygoing charm, gorgeous countryside and hand weaving heritage, Avoca is an inviting place for a vacation. This small Irish town benefits from its beautiful location, perched on the banks of the River Avoca. Enjoy woodland hikes, visit a centuries-old mill and take in spectacular views from the top of a giant boulder.
One of the highlights of a visit to the town is the Mill at Avoca Village, which dates back to 1723. This is Ireland's oldest working hand weaving mill, spinning and weaving wool to make blankets, rugs, scarves and clothes. Tour the building and watch the weaving process in action. The town also owes a lot to its mining heritage. Although the copper mines are closed, visitors to the Avoca Mines attraction can see the remains of engine houses, a bridge and spoil heaps, which are mounds of material discarded during mining.
Devote vacation time to enjoying the countryside in and around Avoca. Go fishing on the Avonbeg River. Relax amid the tranquil surrounds of Knockanree Garden, a 3.7 acre (1.5 hectare) woodland garden with influences from several countries. Hike along the Avoca Red Kite Loop, a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) looped walk through Kilmagig Woods. There is also the picturesque Avoca Valley Walk, which travels along the valley floor by the Avoca River. The 4-mile (7-kilometer) route is unmarked, but it follows a footpath by a main road.
Take a seat at the Meeting of the Waters, where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers meet to form the River Avoca. This is the where the 19th-century Irish poet and songwriter Thomas Moore wrote The Meeting of the Waters, a famous Irish poem. Climb the steps up the Mottee Stone, a huge granite boulder on top of a hill.
To reach Avoca, fly into Dublin Airport, the nearest major airport. From there, make up the rest of the 52-mile (84-kilometer) journey to your destination by bus, train, taxi or rental car. Enjoy a vacation that promises culture, history and the great outdoors.
