The Black Castle
About
The Black Castle is the ruin on the rock at the southern side of the harbour mouth, and it is the first thing most people photograph in Wicklow. Maurice FitzGerald was granted the land after the Norman arrival in 1169 and built a fortress here to hold the harbour; what is left is two broken fingers of rubble masonry on a promontory with the sea on three sides. There is no ticket, no gate and no interpretation centre. You park in town, walk out past the sailing club along the quay and up the short rise, and you are standing in it. The ground is grass and bare rock, unfenced in places, and it drops straight into the water, so it is not a place to let small children run. The view is the reason to come: north across the harbour mouth to the East Pier and the Murrough, south along the cliffs toward Wicklow Head, and straight out at the Irish Sea.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓A Norman promontory castle begun after 1169 by Maurice FitzGerald
- ✓Free and open at all times, with no gate and no admission
- ✓Views north over the harbour mouth and south along the cliffs to Wicklow Head
- ✓A ten-minute walk from Market Square along the quays
Tips
- →Walk out along the South Quay past the sailing club rather than driving; there is very little parking at the castle end.
- →The ground is unfenced above a sea drop. Keep children and dogs close.
- →Come at the end of the day: the low light off the water is worth the wait.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Wicklow's Historic Gaol
The 18th-century county gaol on Kilmantin Hill, closed for refurbishment since September 2025 with a new operator approved and reopening expected in 2026. Check before travelling.
Wicklow Head and its Lighthouses
The easternmost point of the Republic of Ireland, with three lighthouse towers on one headland, one of them let as self-catering accommodation.
Wicklow Harbour and the East Pier
A working commercial port with a fishing fleet, a timber quay and an RNLI station on station since 1857. Walk the East Pier out to the light.