Ireland’s Ancient East

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Beautiful Lakes & Rich Wildlife

National Park Wicklow Mountains

Wicklow Mountains National Park is not only Ireland’s largest national park, but also the only National park in the east (Ireland’s Ancient East).

Wicklow National Park offers stunning glacial valleys, heather-covered mountains, and ancient woodlands just south of Dublin, featuring iconic sites like the monastic settlement of Glendalough, the scenic Sally Gap Drive, and the extensive Wicklow Way trail. The park and mountains protects diverse habitats like blanket bogs and lakes, and serves as a vital recreational and nature conservation area. It is also now a popular spot for hiking, history, and spiritual retreats.

Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, “Valley of Two Lakes”) is a stunning glacial valley within the Wicklow National Park and mountains, and primary Early Medieval religious and learning centre. It is famous for its 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin. Visitors are welcome to explore the well-preserved ruins like the Round Tower, medieval churches, and St. Kevin’s Bed cave.

History, Heritage, Hikes

5 Facts Before You Visit Wicklow National Park

Ireland’s Largest & Easternmost: It’s the biggest national park in Ireland and the only one in the country’s east, covering over 20,000 hectares of protected land.
Habitat Diversity: The park protects varied habitats, including blanket bog, heath, woodland, rocky outcrops, and glacial lakes, supporting unique flora and fauna.
Wildlife Haven: It’s home to red deer, pine martens, otters, bats, and iconic birds like the Peregrine Falcon (the park’s symbol) and Merlin.
Glendalough & History: A major attraction is the glacial valley of Glendalough, featuring St. Kevin’s ancient monastic settlement.
Outdoor Activities: Popular activities include hiking (like the famous Wicklow Way trail), cycling, rock climbing, photography, and scenic drives on roads like the Military Road (R115).