Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Friday 24th July 2026) announced his intention to develop a National Parks Bill which will place Wicklow Mountains National Park on a dedicated statutory footing and establish nature conservation and restoration as the primary purpose of its management. The proposal to develop
9:30 p.m. Wednesday 15th July Join us to learn all about these wonderful creatures as we search for bats in flight using our bat detectors along the dark, wooded paths of Glendalough. Species of bats that have been encountered on previous walks include: Soprano Pipistrelle, Leisler’s, long-eared and Daubenton’s bats. Booking: Free of charge. Booking
From Monday 20th July, work shall commence to upgrade our White Trail (Spinc and Glenealo Valley). This work is expected to take 5 or 6 months. The area affected is known as the ‘White Zig Zags’, from the Miners’ Village up to the footbridge. Occasionally, there might also be some disruption along the Blue Trail
2nd July: Harvestmen for beginners by Brian Murray 9th July: Twite by Dr. Fionn Ó Marcaigh 16th July: Film Night: Catchments by Anne Cleary, School of Looking 23rd July: Bog Restoration by Dr. Shane Regan 30th July: WMNP’s Woodland Strategy by Ann Fitzpatrick 6th August: Grasslands by Dr. Maria Long 13th August: Spongeworks by Jim
As Ireland basks under a yellow high temperature warning, people flock to water to swim and cool down. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards or approved safe swimming spots within Wicklow Mountains National Park. The lakes throughout the park have been carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, and are deep, dark
Join National Parks & Wildlife Service Guides at dusk to watch hundreds of tiny Soprano Pipistrelle bats emerge from their daytime roost in the National Park Information Office attic. Participants are then welcome to join us as we search for bats in flight using our bat detectors along the dark, wooded paths of Glendalough. Other
Glendalough is the most visited site within the National Park. In sunny weather, especially at the weekends, traffic and parking can be an issue. There are three public car parks that serve the valley. Wicklow County Council operate a FREE car park in Laragh, beside the Woollen Mills and the G.A.A. pitch. There is a
Help us to protect our precious upland habitats. Summer is here. The hills are dry and at extreme risk of fire. This is the breeding season for upland ground-nesting birds. Fire destroys habitats and kills nests and chicks. Fire can be catastrophic for local populations. Solid fuel BBQs are not permitted in the National Park.
We are delighted to announce that our trail works on the Spinc are now completed. All three trails that go along the Spinc are now open without a detour. The Spinc trails are: Our new upgraded trails feature stone steps and gravel trails, replacing the old narrow boardwalk. Sections of boardwalk still exist in the
Ministers O’Brien & Noonan confirm agreement to purchase Dowth Hall demesne, Co Meath and establishment of a new National Park Noting it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O Brien, TD, today confirmed the State’s purchase of the World Heritage lands of Dowth Hall and demesne, including Netterville, in