Established in 1991, the Wicklow National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Covering 200 square kilometres over part of the mountain range that extends over most of County Wicklow, the park is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions to visitors. The mountains are 400 million years old and contain remnants from the more recent glacial period and the very first people of the mountains. All those seeking open air adventure will find it in ample supply on the upper slopes and rounded peaks of this natural treasure.
Forestry plantations and winding mountain roads are the only distraction from the panorama sprawling in front of you. Streams race down into the valleys below and congregate into lakes before continuing their journey to the nearby lowlands. A large herd of deer thrives in the open mountain area of the park which sees the conservation of the indigenous biodiversity and landscape as its primary purpose. More information about the wildlife and landscape of the Wicklow Mountains National Park can be obtained at the Visitor Centre.
The Glendalough Valley is the most visited part of the park where an ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin can be found. The Glendalough Visitor Centre has an exhibition and guided walks of the monastic settlement established 1,500 years ago. The Upper Lake is close to the monastery, and is very popular for walks and picnics. Walking trails are provided with colour coding, ranging in difficulty, so it all depends on your stamina. Just don’t try to be too ambitious on your first try or you might end up spending considerably more time than you planned on the Wicklow Mountains.
Being essentially a recreational place, there are many activities that can be enjoyed at the park. These include bathing, barbecues, camping, canoeing, climbing, cycling, dog trailing, fishing, horse riding, hunting, off-road motoring, orienteering, power boating, shopping, scuba diving, and walking. The only restriction is any activity that threatens the conservation of the environment and any large scale activity would require a permit.
