OVOCA MANOR

Situated in 21 acres of peaceful woodland in rural Ireland close to the village of Avoca, Co. Wicklow stands Scripture Union’s Christian recreation centre, Ovoca Manor. Just 8km north-west from Arklow and 70km south of Dublin, it is far enough from suburbia to be ‘away from it all’ and near enough to be easily accessible.

Built in 1919 as a residence for a Church of Ireland minister, it is of Edwardian design. In 1938 it was purchased and used as an orphanage by Mr. & Mrs Densmore who placed it under a trust requiring that it always be used for the spiritual and moral improvement of young people. In 1978 when it was no longer required as an orphanage an d in need of extensive repairs, it was miraculously offered to Scripture Union at the nominal sum of IR£1

ACCOMMODATION

Ovoca Manor provides a perfect setting for time to meditate, pray, listen to God’s word and spend quality time with other Christians ~ all those things which, in our busy lives, we often fail to do. It serves equally well for church groups spending a weekend together, a school running a retreat or a wide variety of children’s and young people’s events.

Two different accommodation types are offered as well as a campsite.

Ovoca Manor, main house and annex, offers dormitory style accommodation combined with a small number of individual rooms. This is ideal for children’s camps or other groups who just enjoy the ‘craic’ of this style of living!

Densmore Lodge is a more modern self contained unit consisting of a number of four bedded en suite rooms which double for families or those willing to share accommodation ~ and get more sleep than in a larger dormitory!
Both buildings have their own self catering facilities and suitable space for conference or meeting type events.

FACILITIES

The Centre is equipped for a wide range of activities, covering abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing, archery, assault course, zip line and an outdoor swimming pool. A multi purpose sports hall offers facilities for various games, particularly useful for wet days. Qualified staff are available to supervise and instruct all our activities.
It is also within easy reach of the sea (Brittas Bay), Glenmalure and a variety of beauty and recreation spots.

See our mini photo gallery for some images of the the facilities available at Ovoca.

ACTIVITIES

The Centre provides an ideal venue for most Scripture Union camps and is also available for outside groups to rent for such events as church weekends or conferences. It also offers an ideal venue for school or church retreats.

CONTACT US

Email Ovoca Manor or Phone 0402 35369

DIRECTIONS

From the North (via Redcross) shortest but twisty route

From the North (via Arklow) slightly longer, better road

From the South