Arklow was one of the earliest settlements of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland under Henry II., and once rejoiced in a castle and a monastery both now obliterated; though a bit of an old tower here is said to have been erected in his time.

The town lives by fishing, and by shipping copper and lead ore to South Wales.

The houses are rather neat and well kept; but the street was full of little ragged, merry mendicants.
We went into a small branch of the Bank of Ireland, and asked where we should find the hotel.

We were very civilly directed to "The Register's Office over the way." This seemed odd enough.

But reaching it we were further puzzled to see the sign over the doorway of a "coach-builder"! However, we rang the bell, and presently a maid-servant appeared, who assured us that this was really the hotel, and that we could have "whatever we liked" for luncheon.