The Hollywood Sign

The recently upgraded Hollywood sign was officially opened on 27 May 2026.

To mark the occasion, the Hollywood Community Forum published a booklet on the history of the sign.

Overlooking Hollywood village, the Hollywood sign is more than just letters on the hill; it serves as a powerful symbol of cultural connection and community pride. The sign's letters mirror the famous Californian landmark and remind visitors of the unique bond between this small Irish village and Los Angeles.

The Wicklow–California connection

In 1850, Matthew Guirke – a native of Hollywood village in County Wicklow – sailed to America after the Famine, seeking a better life. When he arrived in the foothills of Los Angeles, he named his homestead after his native village. That name stuck, and the place we now know as Hollywood, California grew from there. So the Irish Hollywood came first: the name dates back in Wicklow to at least 1192, linked to St Kevin and the area's monastic heritage. Matthew Guirke was the grand-uncle of Jim Guirke, who ran the village shop and post office in Hollywood, Co. Wicklow, for over 60 years.

The sign on the hill

The village's own Hollywood sign was first erected on the hillside in 1998 using plywood from the set of the film Dancing at Lughnasa. It has since been replaced by a permanent aluminium sign. A purpose-built pathway now allows visitors to walk up to the sign for the first time – so it's no longer just a landmark to photograph from a distance. Safe, fenced paths make it an attraction that tourists and the local community can visit on foot. The sign has become one of the most photographed sites in Wicklow.

Ambition and heritage

This symbol celebrates the link between a small, vibrant Irish community and the wider story of "Hollywood" – ambition, heritage, and the idea that this village had a hand in naming the world's film capital. St Kevin spent time in Hollywood before moving to Glendalough, and the Church of St Kevin here dates back to that period. The sign also pays tribute to Wicklow's role as a hub for film and creativity: the county has hosted major productions from Michael Collins to Vikings.

Whether you view it from the village or walk up to it, the Hollywood sign is a must-see when you're in the area.