Major step forward for plans to revamp Wicklow’s historic Black Castle site

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Plans to develop public lands surrounding Wicklow’s iconic Black Castle have now been finalised and will be submitted in January via a part 8 planning application, which will allow for further public scrutiny before councillors vote to approve or reject the plans.

The initiative is being funded by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. It is part of a larger project aimed at developing a comprehensive design plan that enhances the public lands surrounding Black Castle.

In 2024 funding worth €50,000 was allocated for a professional design and structure assessment, which enabled a further application to carry out improvements and accessibility to the area.

A series of public consultation sessions over recent months heard feedback from residents which focused on key themes including improving accessibility, preserving heritage, supporting biodiversity, expanding recreation opportunities and creating sustainable visitor facilities.

These themes featured as part of a presentation to district councillors during their December monthly meeting by Stephen Clarke, town regeneration officer for Wicklow County Council. and Katie Stringer Black from consultants group Studio Idir.

The final report comprises a series of proposals that have been divided into several key areas. These include updating and expanding online accessibility for tourists and local visitors, installing new public furniture, hosting seasonal events to engage communities and visitors

Proposals are also being made to change the existing car park and main entrance, improve the picnic area, protect biodiversity in the area, while conservation works will also take place to maintain the Black Castle ruins.

Ms Stringer also informed members of several other aspirational projects that are being considered alongside the main proposals. These include a Black Castle stories project, with input from the public, in line with the County Wicklow heritage plan. 3D modelling of the site is also being proposed with online information, games and trivia.

Mr Clarke reiterated his view in how the strong response from residents and the wider community shows just how deeply valued the Black Castle site is in the area.

“The consultants took all that feedback on board, and we are committed to ensuring the final design reflects the community’s vision while protecting its heritage and natural environment,” he said.

Cllr Paul O’Brien, who also attended the consultation event, welcomed the proposals, citing the amount of interest in the area about the project.

“I’d like to commend Stephen and his team for getting this over the line. I believe this project is being handled in the way.

“In an effort not to obstruct castle views, and respect the proximity to private residences, I would suggest placing public toilets near the RNLI station as alternative location.

“I still have some concerns about anti-social behaviour, and I would encourage you to inform Gardai about these plans, to keep them in the loop, to try and avoid that issue.”

Cllr Danny Alvey felt it was “great to see the biodiversity measures that will be in place and praised the consultants for not making plans “to drastically change the site”.

Cllr John Snell, in his capacity as chair of Wicklow County Heritage, said: “The most important thing for locals was the need to maintain the heritage value of the site.

“I do have concerns about the car park over south quay and plans for making it green, I hope that can be looked at again.

“We also need to think of our senior citizens and the wealth of knowledge they have to collate stories.”

Cllr Gail Dunne stressed the importance of carrying out the works in a way that doesn’t upset the heritage of the site.

“The site is very popular with locals and tourists,” he said. “It is vital that we assess the structure, respect its heritage, and enhance its accessibility to all.

“If we are installing new bins, we need to make sure that litter is collected on a regular basis. With an expected increase in people visiting the area, we need to make sure that waste is properly managed.” he added.

Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Graham Richmond said the project will benefit everyone in the community and praised the consultants for taking their feedback on board.

“We are trying to encourage the public to visit the site, I think these plans are encouraging and I look forward to seeing how they progress,” he added.

The castle dates to 12th century Norman times and has a dark history associated with conflict and violence with local O'Byrne and O'Toole clans. Despite its bloody past, the site and the castle are very popular with locals and tourists.

This castle ruin stands on a rocky promontory over the sea, at the eastern side of the town, beside Travelahawk beach. Following the arrival of the Norman’s in 1169 Earl Strongbow was granted the lands along the East Coast. He in turn granted those lands to Baron Maurice Fitzgerald on condition that he build castles for protection.

The Black Castle was constantly under attack from local Chieftains, notably those of the O’Byrne and O’Toole clans and in 1301 they succeeded in destroying the castle. There is a fine vantage-point for views over the town and the coast of north Wicklow from the ruins.