Aughrim, Co. Wicklow

Former Forge at Aughrim

The excellent condition of this granite former forge is an example of the care for the traditional environment in Aughrim.

Former Forge at Aughrim

The excellent condition of this granite former forge is an example of the care for the traditional environment in Aughrim.

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Overview

The major criterion for evaluating a green community is the quality of life of its citizens, now and in the future. The areas where this can be assessed are the built environment, the green spaces, the water features, waste creation and disposal, local food production and energy management.

Bowling Green and Angling Lake at Aughrim

The bowling green and angling lake are wheelchair accessible

Bowling Green and Angling Lake at Aughrim

The bowling green and angling lake are wheelchair accessible

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The Built Environment

Becoming a greener community requires a number of commitments in terms of the built environment. These include: sustainable plannning, incorporating green technology and energy efficiency and the care and maintenance of existing infrastructure to protect the character and heritage of the built environment.

Aughrim has been styled "The Granite City" because of its many buildings constructed from locally quarried Wicklow granite. New development in Aughrim has adopted existing materials and styles to enhance the visual appeal of the town. The history of the town is celebrated in its plaques and monuments and new features such as the bowling green is fully accessible to all.

Market Square House, Aughrim

The newly built Market Square House is well proportioned to add presence to the square and is in keeping with the traditional style and materials. The landscaped amenity area is opposite.

Market Square House, Aughrim

The newly built Market Square House is well proportioned to add presence to the square and is in keeping with the traditional style and materials. The landscaped amenity area is opposite.

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Green Spaces

The neat and landscaped approach roads to Aughrim are matched by the landscaped amenity areas and tree lined streets in the town. Aughrim is beautifully situated at the junction of several mountain valleys and the hills provide a backdrop from the town.

Aughrim River

The Aughrim river is formed by the meeting of the Ow and the Derry at Aughrim

Aughrim River

The Aughrim river is formed by the meeting of the Ow and the Derry at Aughrim

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Water Features

The rivers Ow and Derry meet at Aughrim and form the river Aughrim which flows through the town and provides paddling pools, picnic areas and riverside walks for enhanced leisure activities. The national disabled angling park was constructed from on the river forming a 4 acre lake within an 8 acre riverside park with panoramic views overlooking the surrounding Wicklow hills.
The lake is stocked with game fish sourced from a local fish-farm.

School with Green Flag on display

School displaying Green Flag, Aughrim.

School with Green Flag on display

School displaying Green Flag, Aughrim.

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This well maintained school displays its Green Flag in the front.

Waste

The waste facilities in the town are well designed for ease of use. The Tidy Towns Thrift Shop accepts an increasing range of goods for recycling.

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