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Coastline

Information about Co. Wicklow's stunning coastline, an important part of the county's natural heritage.

The coastline of Co. Wicklow stretches for over 60km along the Irish Sea, running from Bray to Kilmichael near Arklow and taking in Wicklow Town roughly halfway on the route. The coastline is varied in physical appearance and composition. The north end of the coast is characterised by a long, straight shingle beach, which stretches from Greystones to Wicklow Town. South of Wicklow Town, the coast is dominated by low boulder clay promontories (headlands) interspersed with small shingly coves and extensive sandy beaches and dunes. Along the way are rocky cliffs at Bray, Wicklow, Mizen and Arklow Heads.

The coastline is an important part of the natural heritage of Co. Wicklow, providing a mosaic of habitats, which in turn support a diversity of plant and animal life. Wicklow's Coastline is one publication in a series of guides exploring the biodiversity of Co. Wicklow, produced as an action of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan and co-funded by Wicklow County Council and The Heritage Council.

The annual all-Ireland Coastwatch survey is one of Ireland's longest-running Citizen Science initiatives, providing an opportunity for members of the public to submit records of their selected survey unit (500 m). Wicklow County Council's heritage officer is the regional co-ordinator for the Wicklow survey and can be contacted for any queries. To take part, visit Coastwatch Survey.