THE MEETING
OF THE WATERS
THE MEETING
OF THE
WATERS
POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › The Meeting of the Waters
Tucked away in the verdant embrace of County Wicklow lies a place of profound tranquillity and poetic resonance: the Meeting of the Waters. Here, beneath a dense canopy of ancient oaks and towering pines, the Avonmore (from the Irish Abhainn Mhór, meaning 'Big River') and the Avonbeg (Abhainn Bheag, 'Little River') gently converge to form the majestic Avoca River.
Thomas Moore’s Inspiration
This sylvan haven is not merely a marvel of natural geography, but a site steeped in literary history. It was precisely this enchanting vista that moved the celebrated 19th-century Irish poet Thomas Moore to pen his famous melody, 'The Meeting of the Waters'. Today, the Thomas Moore Memorial Park marks the spot where the poet is said to have sat beneath a tree, drawing inspiration from the unspoilt landscape. Although the original 'Moore Tree' succumbed to the ravages of time and storms, its preserved remains lie in quiet ceremony alongside a newly planted sapling, continuing the legacy.
Bridge
A charming stone bridge, often dotted with wild foxgloves and purple rhododendrons, allows visitors to wander right to the water's edge. One of the most fascinating features to observe is the distinct mingling of the two rivers; for several metres downstream, the varying shades and currents of the Avonmore and Avonbeg remain visible side-by-side before finally dissolving into a unified force.
The Perfect Picnic Stop-Off
It’s a small spot, but ideal for a peaceful picnic in nice weather with some seating and a grass area beside the water. Alternatively, just across the bridge is a traditional Irish pup called The Meetings serving food and drinks with views of the joining rivers.
General Information
Address
Meeting of the Waters, Knockanode, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Accessibility
The memorial park features gently sloped entryways and relatively flat, paved sections suitable for wheelchairs, though some natural riverbank paths may be uneven or marshy.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Entry
FREE
Parking
FREE
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