Is this Ireland’s best kept secret? That title may belong to Wicklow Mountains National Park. It is a protected area spanning 205 square kilometers. That equals over 51000 acres.
Wicklow Mountains National Park resides in County Wicklow. It stretches into areas of South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in County Dublin. The park sits a short distance south of Dublin. City dwellers appreciate it as a recreation spot. Tourists and history enthusiasts also visit this park.
Wicklow Mountains National Park officially opened in 1991. Charles Haughey announced its establishment in 1988 at Glendalough. He was the Taoiseach at the time. An interpretative centre was financed in 1990. The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages it. This falls under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Park staff handles conservation, research, education, public safety, and community relations. In 2009, 28.33 square kilometers were added. In 2016, the state purchased an additional 19.8296 square kilometers. This land stretches from Kippure to Glenasmole Valley and Bohernabreena Reservoir. It became part of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Glendalough is a key historic site here. It features Early Medieval monastic structures linked to St Kevin. He was a hermit priest. You can also see the Education Centre in Bolger’s Cottage. It’s on the Miners’ Road by the Upper Lake. Also explore remnants of mining villages.
Many activities are available here. These include walking and hiking. Rock climbing, rowing, and diving are popular. Limited swimming and fishing are permitted. Sightseeing and photography abound. Motor tourists often take the R756 road. It winds through the Wicklow Gap. The historic Military Road is another scenic route. Designated R115, it runs from the Dublin Hills. It goes south through the mountains to Laragh village.
Wicklow Mountains National Park boasts varied habitats. These range from blanket bog to deciduous woods. Coniferous woods and upland grassland thrive here. You will also find heath and exposed rocky areas. Scree is also present. Numerous plant species flourish. Bluebells, wood sorrel, and wood anemones dot the landscape. Woodrush, bracken, and polypody fern add to the beauty. Various moss species thrive. Common trees include holly, hazel, and mountain ash.
Protected wildlife calls this park home. Several bat species reside here. Rare otters roam. Nine threatened bird species are found here. These include the hen harrier and peregrine falcon. The whooper swan also graces the area.
The Wicklow Way offers a spectacular walk. It begins in Dublin. The trail stretches 132km across the mountains to Carlow. It has seven main stages. Glendalough has woodland, lakes, and moorland. Its Irish name means the valley of two lakes. These lakes remain prominent features. St Kevin founded an ancient monastery there in the 6th century. It holds some of Wicklow’s best native broadleaved woodland.
Wicklow Mountains National Park is free to enter. However, parking charges may apply. Temporary closures may occur for safety. The National Park Information Office is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Education Centre is open to pre-booked school groups. The National Park Headquarters operates Monday to Friday during office hours. The Duty Ranger is available Monday to Sunday during office hours.
Three main car parks serve visitors. These are the Visitor Centre Car Park, Upper Lake Car Park, and Laragh Car Park. The Visitor Centre Car Park suits those visiting the Monastic City. The Upper Lake Car Park sits at the valley’s end. The Laragh Car Park is free and secure. Hill walkers can access the Green Road to Glendalough from Laragh Car Park.
There is limited parking beyond Glendalough. Small parking areas are on the Wicklow Gap by Glenmacnass waterfall. A couple of places are on the Military Road. Please park responsibly and avoid blocking entrances.
The park covers 200 square kilometers of wild habitat. Public transport access is limited. However, some private tour companies offer coach tours. St Kevin’s bus company runs a service from Dublin to Glendalough. Local Link buses connect Wicklow Town to Laragh.
Public toilets are at the OPW Visitor Centre in Glendalough. They’re also at the Upper Lake Car Park.
First Aid facilities are at the Information Office. An AED defibrillator is available there. Emergency services can be alerted from here.
Wicklow Mountains National Park combines history and nature. Its diverse landscape and rich heritage make it a unique destination.