Wicklow Uplands

Wicklow Mountains Cycle Challenge 2019
2019-05-18
Now in its’ fourth year, the Wicklow Mountains Cycle Challenge is an annual event organised by St James’s Hospital Foundation with all proceeds going to St James’s Hospital, Dublin.
Since its beginning in 2016, the event has doubled in participation and has raised over €50,000 for St James’s Hospital. All of the proceeds have been used to purchase new equipment for the hospital. This year, the proceeds are for our ICU Department.
The event starts and finishes in the stunning grounds of Russborough House, Blessington, Co Wicklow and participants have 2 routes to choose from.

50km – Our 50km route brings cyclists on a beautiful tour of Blessington Lakes before returning back to Russborough House.
Exact Route: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2364245065

100km – Described by seasoned cyclists as “The toughest 100km in Wicklow”, this is a much more demanding route taking cyclists up some of the most notorious climbs in the Wicklow mountains including, Sally Gap, Shay Elliott & Slieve Maan.
Exact Route: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2364231292

All participants will receive a souvenir event jersey and access to the post event refreshments.
ENTRY IS FREE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO FUNDRAISE for the event by raising a minimum €150 in sponsorship.

If you do not wish to fundraise, you can choose from a number of entry options on the website:

More information on the event is available from: https://www.supportstjames.ie/wicklow-mountains-cycle-challenge-2/

Laragh & Glendalough Sustainable Energy Action Meeting
2019-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh, Co Wicklow
Join the Laragh & Glendalough Sustainable Energy Action group for a public information & workshop event this Thursday, May 23rd, 7pm in the Brockagh Resource Centre.
The event will introduce the new group & will be participatory (a workshop) to gather collective ideas and thoughts so that the community can start moving towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
The group has successfully partnered with Wicklow County Council, and recently submitted an Energy Masters Plan (an application for funding) into the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, with the overall aim of improving energy efficiency in the community & reducing our dependency on fossil-fuel based energy.
All are welcome to attend.
For more information, please click: http://bit.do/eS4zX

WPNS - BUMBLEBEES
2019-07-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Education Centre, Glendalough, Ireland
Ireland has 21 species of bumblebees. Learn all about them during a talk and walk starting at 11 am in the Education Centre on Sunday 7th July. Booking is essential (0404-45425)

Wicklow Uplands Council AGM & Panel Meeting.
2019-07-08 19:00 - 21:30 | The Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland
Wicklow Uplands Council AGM with guest speaker, Mr. Simon Harris, TD and Minister for Health.

If you live, work or perhaps enjoy recreational activities in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands, then this event offers the perfect occasion to be part of the conversation on its sustainable development.
Beginning at 7pm in the Glendalough Hotel, the event commences with a joint panel meeting which provides an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors and to make nominations to the Board of Directors.
The AGM starts at 8pm with an overview on what has been a very busy 12 months for the council. We are also delighted to be able to introduce our guest speaker, Mr. Simon Harris, TD and Minister for Health.
Formed in 1997, Wicklow Uplands Council is an independent, voluntary organisation that offers a collective voice to its diverse membership.
Focussing on the sustainable development of the Wicklow and Dublin uplands, the Council is involved with a wide range of projects such as recreational and trail development, PURE Project, the innovative SUAS Project, deer management and community led projects such as the countywide network of heritage interpretative panels. The Council also leads policy development on a range of issues affecting upland communities and its habitats.
The event is open to everyone, including non-members (although only members can vote). Membership forms will also be available for groups and individuals seeking to join on the night.

There are 2 parts to the evening event with interested parties warmly welcome to attend both.

At 7pm, the council’s 4 panel groups (listed below), will break into individual meetings to discuss relevant issues, activities and initiatives and seek input and feedback from the panel representatives. Along with making nominations to the Board of Directors, it’s a great opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors.
– Community Panel
– Economic & Tourism Panel
– Environment & Recreation Panel
– Farming & Landowning Panel

AGM AGENDA
– Welcome & Apologies
– Adoption of minutes of AGM held on Wednesday 20th June 2018
– Matters Arising
– Financial Report; Garvan Hickey – Treasurer, Tom Doyle – IFAC Accountants
– Appointment of Auditor
– Chairman’s Address: Mr Tom Byrne
– Co-ordinator’s Report & Project Update: Brian Dunne
– Guest Speaker: Mr Simon Harris, TD, Minister for Health
– Nominations to the board of directors – report from panel meetings
– Any other business

If you are interested in coming along please RSVP to info@wicklowuplands.ie or ph: 01 2818406.

The Uplands Council believes that the people who live, work and recreate in the Uplands must be provided with opportunities to participate in the various local, regional and national decision making processes affecting the area. The Council represents the views of the local people and presents their case to the statutory decision makers.

W.P.N.S. - BAT WALK
2019-07-17 21:30
Meeting at the Information Office Glendalough to watch hundreds of bats emerge from their roost before following them through the woodlands and listening to them with bat detectors. Bring a torch and midge repellent. Great for all ages and booking is not essential.

Nature Explorers – Moth recording
2019-08-07 11:00 - 13:00 | National Park Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland
To help children to identify and appreciate the natural world.
Booking esstenial

Bat Walk and Talk
2019-08-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Education Centre, Glendalough, Ireland
Bat Talk
7:30 p.m. in the Education Centre
followed by
Bat Walk
8.30 p.m. at the Information Office
Suitable for all ages. Booking is not required.
A torch and midge repellent are advised. Visitors are welcome to attend either or both event.
The Bat Talk is family friendly, and suitable for all ages. After the Talk, head over to the Information Office for the Bat Walk.
Watch the bats emerge from their roost. Then follow them through the woods. Hear their call with bat detectors.

Nature Explorers – Flowers & pollinators
2019-08-14 11:00 - 13:00 | National Park Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland
Varied activities help children to identify and appreciate the natural world. Activities are aimed at children aged 5 to 11 years.
This is an outdoor programme. Most activities will take place off track (not suitable for buggies).
An adult must stay with the children & be prepared to help.
Booking is essential (0404 45425)
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: National Park Information Office

SUAS Open Day and Demonstration Event in West Wicklow
2019-08-20 11:00 - 15:00
This inaugural SUAS Pilot Project (Sustainable Uplands Agri-environment Scheme) Open Day and Demonstration Event will provide insight to the project through a series of short talks and a site visit to a nearby participating upland commonage area.
Ireland’s Uplands are vital natural and cultural heritage sites which have been traditionally managed by upland farmers for generations. The SUAS Project aims to support upland farmers while protecting this significant heritage by remunerating farmers for activities which improve and protect their farmed habitats.
Organised to coincide for National Heritage Week, the event will commence in the Hollywood Community Centre at 11am where Declan Byrne, Project Manager of the SUAS Project and a number of other speakers, will give an overview of the project and the positive impact it is having to upland commonages. An exhibition from the National Rural Network on the EIP AGRI projects in Ireland will also be on display for all to enjoy.
The assembled group will then travel by bus to the nearby Granamore Commonage, which is one of the locations that was included in the first round of the SUAS Project.

The lands which are now within the boundaries of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, were formerly part of Lord Waterford Estate in County Wicklow and contain a number of interesting features such as old turf cutting banks, a small hill of blanket bog, a Mass rock, and the Douglas River and other water systems.The commonage area is being managed by ten shareholders, participating in the SUAS Project through a formal commonage group structure.
Those attending the event will be guided to four stops on the site to observe demonstrations related to the land management activities being undertaken as part of the project.
Presentations and discussion will include topics such as commonage management, roadway and culvert repair, gully planting and streamside vegetation, and vegetation management practices such as controlled burning and cutting. A number of speakers will contribute to the visit including representatives from NPWS, the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and a number of the local farmers.

Topic Examples include:
What is on our uplands and why are they important?
Enda Mullen, National Parks & Wildlife Service
Collective farming & management of our uplands
Monica Gorman, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science
What is the SUAS Project actually doing?
Declan Byrne, SUAS Project Manager

The free event is open to all interested parties and includes refreshments and the transfer to Granamore by bus. Appropriate clothing and footwear will be required for the site visit which is quite exposed. Due to transport logistics, advance booking is advised. Please RSVP to info@wicklowuplands.ie or 01-2818406.
For further information on the event, please visit: www.wicklowuplands.ie/suasproject

Nature Explorers – Mammal tracking
2019-08-21 11:00 - 13:00

Guided Walk of Glenasmole Valley - National Heritage Week
2019-08-21 18:45 - 20:45
The theme for this year’s National Heritage Week is ‘Pastimes, Past Times’ and will see over 2,000 events happen across the country from the 17th – 25th of August. To celebrate the event, Wicklow Uplands Council are organising a guided walk with well-known local Donie Anderson around parts of the Glenasmole Valley on the evening of Wednesday the 21st.

Shaped by glacier activity and the River Dodder, the picturesque setting serves as the backdrop for this free event. It is open to everyone and promises to be a fun and enjoyable experience with plenty of stories and anecdotes shared along the route. This area of the Dublin uplands, has a deep history going back to the mythologies of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his band of Irish warriors, Na Fianna. Many of the old traditions and hill farming practices that were once a common sight in the valley, will be explored during the walk and it will also include a visit to the Bog Road to take in the full vista of Dublin Bay and its capital city.

Participants should meet beforehand at 6.45pm outside the Old Mill in Tallaght. Due to a bus service being organised to accommodate the group, advance booking is essential. Please RSVP by the 19th of August by sending an email info@wicklowuplands.ie or phone 01-2818406.

Nature Explorers – Treasure hunt
2019-08-28 11:00 - 13:00 | National Park Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Upper Lake, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland

SUAS Pilot Project at the 2019 National Ploughing Championships
2019-09-19 13:30 - 17:30
Come and visit the SUAS Pilot Project as it exhibits at the 2019 National Ploughing Championships on Thursday the 19th of September.
Discover how the Sustainable Uplands Agri-environment Scheme (SUAS) project is finding solutions to address the decline in the biodiversity and hill farming activities in the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands.
Declan Byrne, Project Manager of the SUAS Project will on hand to share details of the project and the progress it is making on nine locations in the uplands. Now in its second year, the innovative project has been working closely with established commonage groups, farmers, an ecologist and other professionals, to create and implement a land management plan for each of these sites.
Launched in 2018 by Wicklow Uplands Council, the five-year SUAS pilot project is one of 23 European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) projects established in Ireland. All of the EIP groups have been invited to exhibit at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s large marquee at scheduled times throughout the three day event.
Please come and visit the SUAS Project Team on Thursday the 19th of September from 1.30pm.
The marquee is located on Block 3, Row 19, Stand 422.

‘The Future of Hill Farming in the Dublin Mountains’ Information Event
2020-02-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Glenasmole Community Centre
An information event titled ‘The Future of Hill Farming in the Dublin Mountains’ will take place this Thursday, February the 6th in Glenasmole, County Dublin.
The open event has been organised jointly between the SUAS Pilot Project and Teagasc and will explore a range of topics related to hill farming in the Dublin Mountains.
Guest speakers from the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Teagasc and the SUAS Project, will be at hand to discuss the ecological importance of our uplands, sustainable and profitable hill farming practices and offer an insight to the current conditions of the local upland habitats.
The event also includes a site visit to a nearby hill to assess its current condition and to discuss the management options available to return it to good agricultural and environmental condition.
Launched in 2018, the SUAS Pilot Project is addressing the decline in hill farming activities and the promotion of sustainable practices in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands on a number of selected sites in the region.
The event is open to all interested parties and the organisers recommend appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn to the site visit.
The event begins at 11am at the Glenasmole Community Centre.

Joint Panel Meeting in Hollywood
2020-02-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Hollywood Community Centre
Wicklow Uplands Council takes a community led approach to sustainable development in the Wicklow And Dublin Uplands in partnership with the people who live, work and recreate there.
Would you like to take part in the discussion?

A Joint Panel Meeting will take place on the 25th of February at the Hollywood Community Centre
Hosted by Wicklow Uplands Council, this event is a joint meeting of its panel groups to provide an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors.
One of the topics to be discussed is the shared recreation use of the uplands, with representatives of Mountaineering Ireland, Motor Cycling Ireland, NPWS and a host of interest groups participating at the event.

Each of the 4 panel groups (listed below) will break into individual meetings to discuss relevant issues, activities and initiatives and seek input and feedback from the panel representatives.
– Community Panel
– Economic and Tourism Panel
– Environment and Recreation Panel
– Farming and Landowning Panel

The key objectives of the meeting are:
– To provide an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors.
-To identify opportunities to strengthen each of these sectors.
– To discuss ‘live’ issues within the panels and look at ways in which Wicklow Uplands Council can assist member organisations and individuals.
– To provide an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors.
-To identify opportunities to strengthen each of these sectors.
– To discuss ‘live’ issues within the panels and look at ways in which Wicklow Uplands Council can assist member organisations and individuals.

If you are interested in coming along please RSVP to info@wicklowuplands.ie or ph: 01 2818406. Refreshments will be available.
New members are always welcome and you can sign up on the night.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION:
The Uplands Council believes that the people who live, work and recreate in the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands must be provided with opportunities to participate in the various local, regional and national decision making processes affecting the area. The Council represents the views of the local people and presents their case to the statutory decision makers.

‘A Journey to 1870’s Lacken’ Guided Walk (Thursday Option)
2020-08-27 18:45 - 20:40
To celebrate National Heritage Week, why not join us for a guided walk titled ‘A Journey to 1870’s Lacken’ – (two options available).

Responding to this year’s theme of ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage’, Wicklow Uplands Council in partnership with Lacken Community Development, have created a programme that explores some of the rich and diverse heritage found in the locality of the west Wicklow village of Lacken.
Led by local guide Alfie Zeller, the event follows the mountainous route once taken by the communities of Lugnagun and Blackrock to Lacken, home to the nearest church, school and other amenities. Linking with the recently restored Mass Paths, the walk passes numerous examples of abandoned settlements and historical sites, each with their own intriguing tale to tell.
Participants will also visit a megalithic tomb constructed during the Neolithic Period around 3,300BC – one of several known megalithic sites in the area, with the passage tombs of Seefin, Seahan and Seafingan located on nearby slopes.
Climbing up to the ridgeline between Lugnagun and Sorrel Hill, the panoramic views that take in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Blessington Lakes, provide a stunning setting for the occasion.
Originally scheduled to take place last week, the two options were moved to this week due to the adverse weather that spread across the country. The Thursday evening event is fully booked, however, there are still places available for the walk this Saturday, the 29thof August commencing at 2.30pm.
The event is free, open to everyone above the age of 12 and promises to be an informative, fun and enjoyable experience with plenty of stories and anecdotes shared along the route.
In line with Covid 19 guidelines, the Council needs to carefully manage the number of attendees, so we request that you confirm your interest in attending either of the events no later than 5pm on Thursday the 27th of August. Please correspond by email: bdunne@wicklowuplands.ie or phone: 01- 2818406.
More details on the event, including important information for interested parties, can be found by visiting: HERE.
‘Exploring Lacken’s Built Heritage’ Video Project

Coordinated by The Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become Ireland’s largest cultural event. This year’s programme includes the exciting addition of digital and online formats, providing innovative ways to explore Ireland’s diverse heritage with online talks, exhibitions, virtual tours, podcasts, videos and blogs.
As part of the Council’s programme of events, a special video project has been produced to acknowledge and celebrate much of the built heritage around the locality of Lacken. It offers a visual tour of the many points of interest and for those considering the guided walk event, it highlights some of the sites we’ll be visiting.
Lacken’s Rich Heritage
Sitting on the slopes of the Wicklow Mountains along the picturesque Lake Drive, Lacken’s hillsides demonstrate evidence of early settlers, with examples of megalithic tombs, bullaun stones and caves. More recent 19th century hillside features include dry stones walls, lazy beds and the recently rejuvenated mass path.
Built structures made from the locally-mined Wicklow granite are abundant, with the local church, school house, bridges and an historic graveyard standing as strong as the day they were constructed.
Lacken witnessed dramatic changes to its landscape and to the community itself, as the valley was flooded to create the Poulaphouca Reservoir, also known as the Blessington Lakes, in the late 1930’s. This ambitious joint project between the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Dublin City Council to supply Dublin’s rapidly growing population with fresh water

‘A Journey to 1870’s Lacken’ Guided Walk (Saturday Option)
2020-08-29 14:15 - 16:15

POSTPONED - 'A Journey to 1870's Lacken' - Heritage Walk
2020-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Lacken, Ireland
UPDATE: Due to a change to the current Covid-19 measures and advice announced this week, Wicklow Uplands Council and Wicklow Local Sports Partnership have made the decision to postpone the planned guided walk in Lacken until a future date. All interested parties will be contacted once a new date is confirmed.
……
Wicklow Uplands Council in partnership with Wicklow Local Sports Partnership, are delighted to announce a guided heritage walk titled ‘A Journey to 1870’s Lacken’ to be held on October the 24th at 10am.
The first in a series of free, planned Heritage Walks to be held across County Wicklow in the coming months, this walk follows the mountainous route once taken by the communities of Lugnagun and Blackrock to Lacken, where the nearest church, school and other amenities could be found.
Led by local guide Alfie Zeller, the event links with the recently restored Mass Paths, and passes numerous examples of abandoned settlements and historical sites, each with their own intriguing tale to tell.
Participants will also visit a megalithic tomb constructed during the Neolithic Period around 3,300BC – one of several known megalithic sites in the area, with the passage tombs of Seefin, Seahan and Seafingan located on nearby slopes.
Climbing up to the ridgeline between Lugnagun and Sorrel Hill, the panoramic views that take in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Blessington Lakes, provide a vista stunning setting for the occasion.

The event is free, open to everyone above the age of 12 and promises to be an informative, fun and enjoyable experience with plenty of stories and anecdotes shared along the route.

Wicklow Uplands Council AGM & Summer Panel Meeting (2022)
2022-07-13 19:00 - 21:30 | The Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland
If you live, work or perhaps enjoy recreational activities in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands, this event offers the perfect occasion to be part of the conversation on its sustainable development and the issues that affect the region.
Taking place on the evening of July the 13th in the Glendalough Hotel, the event commences at 7pm with a panel meeting which provides an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation, environmental and farming sectors. This is followed by nominations being made to the Board of Directors.
The AGM starts at 8pm with an overview on what has been a very busy time indeed for the Council, with a number of significant projects underway. Guest speaker on the night will be the Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Brian Gleeson.
Formed in 1997, Wicklow Uplands Council is an independent, voluntary organisation that offers a collective voice to its diverse membership. Focussing on the sustainable development of the Wicklow and Dublin uplands, the Council is involved with a wide range of projects such as recreational and trail development, the PURE Project, deer management, heritage interpretation and community led projects. It is also the final year of the innovative ‘Sustainable Uplands Agriculture-environment Scheme (SUAS)’ Project, an EIP project that’s working with hill-farmers and other stakeholders across the region to address declining habitats.The Council also leads policy development on a range of issues affecting upland communities and its biodiversity.
All interested parties are very welcome to attend to discover, discuss and participate in the conversation. The event is open to everyone, including non-members (although only members can vote). Membership forms will also be available for groups and individuals seeking to join on the night.
For further information, contact the office on 01-2818406

The Condition Of Upland Paths In The Wicklow Mountains
2022-09-28 15:00 - 16:30
Following the completion of an extensive survey focussed on the current condition of many of county Wicklow’s upland paths, a special online event has been organised to discuss and share details found in its final report.
Aside from managed trails such as the Wicklow Way, there is an extensive network of informal paths that criss-cross the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands, connecting routes, peaks and popular points of interest for hikers and walkers. Evolved through common usage over the decades, the impact of the ever-increasing footfall on these paths contribute to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation and sensitive habitats. Often scarring the landscape, the paths frequently cross fragile peat soil, leading to a loss of carbon and water runoff that affects the water quality of upland streams.
To establish an accurate understanding of the current path conditions, Wicklow Uplands Council, Wicklow Mountains National Park (NPWS) and a host of project partners that includes Coillte, County Wicklow Partnership/Rural Recreation Officer, Mountaineering Ireland, Mountain Meitheal and Wicklow County Council, commissioned a specialist survey to investigate further and to explore possible solutions to ensure that these areas are sustainably managed for future generations.
With funding received through the LEADER Programme, an extensive survey of over 160km of many of the popular upland paths located throughout the region, was recently completed by expert path surveyors ‘Walking the Talk’.
With biodiversity and landscape preservation, along with sustainable recreational enjoyment in mind, a public event titled ‘The Condition Of Upland Paths In The Wicklow Mountains’ has been organised for 3pm on Wednesday the 28th of September. Led by Chris York of ‘Walking the Talk’, the online event that includes a Q & A session on the findings of the survey, offers a great insight into how to potentially address the damaged areas, minimize future erosion and sustainably manage recreational usage into the future. Given the importance of the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands as an invaluable natural resource for recreational activities, fresh water, conservation efforts and climate mitigation measures, both the event and upcoming release of the final report, are expected to generate considerable interest from a wide-reaching audience.
To attend the event, advance registration is required by visiting https://bit.ly/3SqjvAA
For further information email, bdunne@wicklowuplands.ie

SUAS Conference Field Trip
2022-11-16 13:30 - 17:30
The SUAS Project is delighted to announce the hosting of a special conference on Thursday, November the 17th of November in the Glenview Hotel In county Wicklow with the additional option of a guided field trip to see the innovative work currently being undertaken across the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands.
The conference has been organised to coincide with the successful conclusion of the five-year EIP-AGRI Project. The event programme will explore and discuss the key findings of the project with a host of guest speakers, which includes a keynote presentation from Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, panel discussions and a guided field trip to see the innovative work currently being undertaken across the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands.
Along with presentations from the project team made up of project manager, international guest speakers include Professors Julia Aglionby and Davy McCraken; both renowned for their research and expertise on the use and management of the UK’s extensive upland regions. Also joining them on the stage is the consultant ecologist Faith Wilson who has worked extensively with the SUAS Project. The event organisers are especially excited to announce that Irish-based journalist and well-known television presenter Ella McSweeney will be filling the role of Guest Chair at the event.

SUAS Conference
2022-11-17 08:50 - 16:00 | Glenview Hotel, A63 DC95, Ireland
The SUAS Project is delighted to announce the hosting of a special conference on Thursday, November the 17th of November in the Glenview Hotel In county Wicklow . Organised to coincide with the successful conclusion of the five-year EIP-AGRI Project, the event programme will explore and discuss the key findings of the project with a host of guest speakers, which includes a keynote presentation from Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, panel discussions and a guided field trip to see the innovative work currently being undertaken across the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands.
Along with presentations from the project team made up of project manager, international guest speakers include Professors Julia Aglionby and Davy McCraken; both renowned for their research and expertise on the use and management of the UK’s extensive upland regions. Also joining them on the stage is the consultant ecologist Faith Wilson who has worked extensively with the SUAS Project. The event organisers are especially excited to announce that Irish-based journalist and well-known television presenter Ella McSweeney will be filling the role of Guest Chair at the event.

2023-04-01 | Court House Arts Centre, Tinahely, Dwyer Square, Ballinacor,, Tinahely, Wicklow, Ireland
Citizens Science in the Wicklow Mountains Event details
Courthouse Art Centre, Tinahely.
This Free Event take place on Saturday 1st April 2023 from 10am to 5.30pm

The Living History of Granamore West Wicklow
2023-08-14 18:30 - 19:30
Our Heritage Week event this year will take place in the Hollywood Centre on Monday 14th August 2023 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Dr. Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh’s talk will highlight the findings of his recent research on the Cultural Heritage of Granamore in West Wicklow.
For further details about the talk and the location please click on the link: The Living History of Granamore West Wicklow | National Heritage Week 12 – 20 August 2023
RSVP to info@wicklowuplands.ie by 12pm Monday 14th 2023
We look forward to seeing you there.

Walk of the St. Kevin's Way, Co. Wicklow - Heritage Week 2023
2023-08-19 07:30 - 18:00
St. Kevin’s Way follows in the footsteps of St Kevin through the hills of Wicklow to the haunting and mysterious valley of Glendalough where he spent the rest of his life in solitary prayer and contemplation. Two walk options offered this day: A 30km walk from Hollywood to Glendalough and a shorter walk 12km from Ballinagee Bridge to Glendalough. All parking at the Hollywood GAA pitch. Bus provided to return to the car park.
This event is being organised by the St. Kevin’s Way Group Hollywood.
Details for booking on event brite and also our facebook page St.Kevin’s Way
For further details please click on Walk of the St. Kevin’s Way, Co. Wicklow – 19th August 2023 | National Heritage Week 12 – 20 August 2023

Mountainous Spring Clean!
2025-04-05 10:00 - 13:00
Join Wicklow Uplands Council Members and spend a few hours helping to remove accidental and mindless litter from the breath taking Wicklow Mountains. It’s a small act that makes a huge difference! Lets build on the work undertaken by the many PURE mile community groups across the uplands.

From Furze to Flame: Drawing Stories from our Uplands
2025-08-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Roundwood Parish Centre, Main Street,, Roundwood, Wicklow, Ireland
Discover how ancient burning practices, wild plants, and disappearing traditions still shape our cultural landscape.
Join us with artist-in-residence Shane Finan for a public talk on his fascinating work with FIRECULT, (https://jpi-climate.eu/project/firecult/ ) an international project exploring how wildfire impacts cultural heritage. Shane delves into Irish upland traditions—particularly the historic burning of aiteann (furze/gorse)—and how fire was once both a tool and a symbol in rural life. From folklore to flora, he transforms aiteann and sitka spruce into drawing charcoal to tell a story of loss, resilience, and renewal.
Wildfire is a natural earth system process in close interactive relationship with human activity since prehistoric times, that has shaped cultural landscapes and defined ways of life. Humans use fire to modify their landscape, clear land for agriculture and development and replenish soil nutrients.
At the same time, fire’s destructive power endangers livelihoods and landscapes. Anthropogenic climate change disrupts the fine balance between wildfire and humans, directly through its influence on the natural environment and indirectly by impacting on societal structures and behaviours, threatening tangible and intangible cultural heritage. To this day, there is little understanding on the role of wildfire in damaging or creating cultural heritage.

A Brief History of Sheep & Wool in Wicklow
2025-08-21 19:30 - 20:30 | Manor Kilbride Community Hall, Manor Kilbride, Wicklow, Ireland
A vibrant and engaging exploration of the sheep and wool industry, showcasing its historical, cultural, and environmental impact across the country. Through visual displays and live presentation, we will trace the story of sheep farming—how it shaped the landscape, supported rural communities, and contributed to identity.
Oliver Fallon Bailey, contracted under our Community Heritage Grant from the Heritage Council, has been collecting stories and insights from across the county. Drawing from his earlier work with the Roundwood Folklore, Historical and Archaeological Society, particularly on the Roundwood Sheep Market, Oliver has expanded this research to include broader economic, social, and environmental narratives. Through this work we will look forward—exploring how the wool industry might support conservation goals such as peatland restoration in Wicklow’s uplands.

'Waggy Tails & Dirty Trails, How Dogs Impact Our Waters'
2025-08-24 14:30 - 16:00 | Knocksink Nature Reserve, Enniskerry, Enniskerry, Wicklow, Ireland
On Water Heritage Day, Wicklow Uplands Council (wicklowuplands.ie) in collaboration with LAWPRO (lawpro.ie) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Knocksink Nature Reserve will welcome Professor Wim Meijer from University College Dublin. Prof. Meijer will deliver a thought-provoking talk at our “Waggy Tails – Dirty Trails” event.
Drawing from his research at UCD, Professor Meijer will highlight how something as ordinary as dog poo can become a serious environmental problem when left behind in nature. While many people assume it’s harmless or that it will naturally break down, the reality is quite different — especially when it comes to water quality.
The talk will look at a variety of water pollutants and human health issues which can be attributed to uncollected dog faeces which often get washed into nearby streams and rivers via rainfall and stormwater runoff.
Once in our waterways, dog waste introduces harmful bacteria and parasites such as E. coli, giardia, and campylobacter, along with excess nutrients that can lead to algal blooms and oxygen depletion. These impacts not only threaten aquatic life and biodiversity but also pose direct risks to human health — especially for children and swimmers.
The session will conclude with a short Q&A and an invitation for families to explore hands-on activities — including viewing poo under the microscope and a fun modelling clay station for kids to make their own (non-smelly!) animal droppings. This talk promises to be an engaging and accessible way to highlight a surprising yet crucial link between everyday behaviour and the health of our environment.
Beyond pollution, the presence of dog mess in public spaces affects how we enjoy nature and erodes the shared experience of our parks and trails. Justin Ivory from LAWPRO will guide us on a short walk where we will casually address the importance of responsible dog ownership in protecting our water heritage. Key actions like keeping dogs on leads in natural areas, consistently picking up waste, and avoiding letting dogs swim in sensitive waterbodies can make a significant difference.

'Good Bog Bad Bog' - Culture Night Celebration
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00
Step into the world of bogs — wild, mysterious, and full of hidden life. Join us at the Schoolhouse for Art, Enniskerry, this Friday from 7–9pm for the Good Bog Bad Bog Exhibition.
Experience the joyful work of artist @sharonwellsart, created in collaboration with local community groups. Wander through art and craft that celebrates and questions our relationship with peatlands, discover stories of these wondrous ecosystems, and be mesmerised by what the contribute to our world. Come for the art, stay for the inspiration — and leave with a deeper connection to Wicklow’s living landscapes.
