Arklow (c.f Arknell's Low, Arknell was a viking leader, a low was an area of land.) irish: an t-Inbhear Mo/r, the big Estuary

Arklow is situated on the mouth of the river Avoca, the longest river entirely in Co. Wicklow. Historically was a major seafaring town, with both shipping and fishing using the port and shipbuilding was a major industry. The Asgard, AsgardII sail training vessel and the Gypsy Moth were all build in Arklow. Recent times have seen large reductions in shipping and fishing and the shipyards have closed.

Arklow is seperated by the river Avoca, which is crossed by the Nineteen arches bridge, a stone arch bridge, linking the south or main part of the town with the north part called Ferrybank.

Arklow has expanded recently due to commuters and it's proximity to Dublin.

The town has a long history of industry, and in particular chemical industry. In the early part of the 20th century, a large munitions factory, Kynochs, was established on the north side of the town. This factory employed several thousand workers during the First World War but closed shortly after it, all production being moved to South Africa.

In the 1960's a state owned fertiliser factory, Nitrogen Eireann Teo (NET) was established on the outskirts of the town. This factory complex comprised a number of chemical plants and manufactured a range of fertilisers from basic raw materials. It was one of the first major chemical plants in Ireland and contributed to the present-day success of the Irish Chemical Industry. It closed in 2002.