|
The Wicklow Mountains National Park was established in 1991 with an initial core area of 9,135 acres centered around Glendalough.
The protected area has been continually extended, and the government hopes to eventually protect 74,074 acres in the immediate area.
The park currently contains the Glenealo Valley and Glendalough Woods Nature Reserves, and the Liffey Head Bog.
Upland heath and blanket bogs dominate the mountainous areas of the park, and moorland bird species including ravens, red grouse, skylarks, meadow pipits, peregrine falcons and merlins can be found there.
A large herd of red/sika deer hybrids is present in the area, in addition to otters, red squirrels, badgers, foxes and hares.
The park includes the beautiful Upper Lake at Glendalough and most of its surrounding valley. The most notable feature in the Glendalough Valley is the monastic settlement, which includes a cathedral, round tower and St. Kevin's Church.
The foundation of the settlement is attributed to St. Kevin, who died early in the 7th century, but most of the remains date from the 8th to 12th centuries.
The park visitor's center is located in Glendalough, near the monastic settlement.
The Wicklow Way walking path begins in Dublin and passes through the Wicklow Mountains.
Outdoor Activities |
The Glendalough Valley is surrounded by a forest reserve.
A view of the Wicklow Mountains on a foggy day.
The round tower in the Glendalough monastic settlement.
|
