Newcastle, County Wicklow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newcastle
Irish: An Caisleán Nua
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Village
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The village of Newcastle
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 Newcastle
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Leinster |
| County | County Wicklow |
| Elevation | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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924 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
| Irish Grid Reference | O296038 |
Newcastle (Irish: An Caisleán Nua) is a small village in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on the R761 road. The village is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Dublin city. In 2016, Newcastle had a population of 924 people. The old area around the village, called the barony of Newcastle, gets its name from the village and its Norman castle.
Contents
History of Newcastle
The village of Newcastle is named after a castle built there long ago. This castle was constructed by the Normans between 1177 and 1184. It was built on the site of an even older Irish fortification (a strong defensive building). The castle was called Newcastle Mackynegan.
It became an important stronghold, protecting the edges of the Pale. The Pale was an area in Ireland controlled by the English. Even so, local Irish leaders, the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes, often attacked and took over the castle. The castle you see in ruins today is not the original one. The first castle was destroyed in the 16th century. The current ruin is from a building put up later on the same spot.
The castle was the main administrative center for the area. This lasted until Wicklow became a county in the 16th century. After another attack on the castle, the main administrative office moved to Wicklow town.
Churches and Schools
The local church is very old, with some parts dating back to the 12th century. This church was mentioned in records as early as 1227. The church building you see now was mostly built between 1783 and 1788. Its tower was added in 1821.
The church belongs to the Church of Ireland (which is part of the Anglican faith). In 2000, it was even used by the local Catholic community for services. This happened while their own small church building (called an oratory) was being rebuilt. The local primary school, St Francis's, is right next to this church. There is also an old ruined Catholic church with a graveyard about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the village.
Newcastle is part of the Roman Catholic parish of Kilquade. The main parish church is in Kilquade, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Newcastle. A new small church building, an oratory, was built in Newcastle village in 2009. It replaced an older temporary one.
Fun Things to Do in Newcastle
In 1983, a community centre was built in Newcastle. This center provides a place for many sports and fun activities. You can find local groups for Gaelic games, indoor soccer, bowls, badminton, tennis, and croquet.
Newcastle is also close to the beach. People enjoy swimming, walking, and fishing from the shore there. The village has one pub, The Castle Inn, which was rebuilt in 2008. There is also a shop and garage for local needs.
Blackditch Wood Nature Reserve
Close to Newcastle is Blackditch Wood. This is a special Nature Reserve that covers 89 hectares (220 acres). Birdwatch Ireland created it in 2002. It's a very important area for nature, especially for birds.
The reserve has different types of habitats. These include birch forests, wet areas called fens, grasslands, and even some farmland. There are also 8 kilometers (5 miles) of drainage ditches. All these different areas attract many kinds of wildlife. The reserve helps protect birds, plants, and insects that are at risk. There are walkways and special viewing spots (hides) for people to watch the birds.
Getting Around Newcastle
Dublin Bus provides bus services between Newcastle and Dublin. You can take the number 84 bus route.
Newcastle used to have a railway station. It opened in August 1856 but closed on March 30, 1964.
Newcastle Aerodrome is a small airport located just outside the village.
Famous People from Newcastle
- Barry Corr, a football player.
- Hozier, a famous musician.
See also
In Spanish: Newcastle (Condado de Wicklow) para niños
