Page "Wicklow" Paragraph 4

Though the surrounding County of Wicklow is rich in bronze age monuments, the oldest surviving settlement in the town is the Franciscan Abbey ( ruined ).

This is located at the west end of Main Street, within the gardens of the local Roman Catholic parish grounds.

Other notable buildings include the Town Hall and the Gaol, built in 1702 and recently renovated as a heritage centre and tourist attraction.

The East Breakwater, arguably the most important building in the town, was built in the early 1880s by Wicklow Harbour Commissioners.

The architect was William George Strype and the builder was John Jackson of Westminster.

The North Groyne was completed by about 1909-John Pansing was the designer and Louis Nott of Bristol the builder.

The Gaol was a place of execution up to the end of the 19th century and it was here that Billy Byrne, a leader of the 1798 rebellion, met his end in 1799.

He is commemorated by a statue in the town square.

The gaol closed in 1924 and is today a tourist attraction with living displays and exhibits.