The Condition Of Upland Paths In The Wicklow Mountains
2022-09-28 15:00 - 16:30 UTC
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.

'A New Fleece of Life' Weaving Wicklow’s Sheep Wool Heritage into a Sustainable Future
2025-11-05 20:15 - 21:45 | Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh, Co Wicklow
Join us for a fascinating audio-visual presentation and discussion exploring how Wicklow’s wool heritage can help shape a more sustainable future. Hear insights from NPWS Conservation Ranger and Pat Byrne (Circular BioEconomy expert) as we look at how heritage, ecology, and innovation can work together to strengthen Ireland’s wool industry — and influence policy for real change.

Coffee, Cake & Catchments - SpongeWorks Project Launch
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:30
Please note that this event has been rescheduled from Tuesday, 27th January, due to the significant impacts of Storm Chandra on the Aughrim community. We sincerely thank the community for their resilience and continued partnership.
In this regard you are warmly invited to the launch of the SpongeWorks Project in Aughrim —☕ Coffee, cake and chat provided — come along for an informal, friendly evening of learning and conversation.
An evening of information, exploring how working with nature (Nature-based Solutions, NBS) can help us manage water, protect biodiversity, and build climate resilience in our local landscapes.
The EU Horizon project ‘SpongeWorks’ focuses on helping landscapes act more like a sponge — slowing, storing and filtering water naturally through soils, wetlands, woodlands and river systems.
This nature-based approach can reduce flooding, improve water quality, support wildlife and create healthier, more resilient catchments for communities, farming and nature alike.
The evening will explain what the SpongeWorks Project is and why it matters, and why Wicklow County Council, East Wicklow Rivers Trust, Wicklow Uplands Council and LAWPRO all got involved.
We will hear from Dr Mary Bourke a lecturer in Geography at Trinity College Dublin, an engaging expert on Earth (and Planetary) Geomorphology with expertise in extreme environments including flooding.
An important part of the evening will be shared insights, and to discuss how our Aughrim Catchment Community can be involved.
This is a relaxed and accessible event open to everyone — landowners, farmers, anglers, community members, engineers, environmental enthusiasts, anyone curious about how nature-based solutions can support both people and place.

Baltinglass Ring: Uncovering the Archaeology of an Ancient Landscape
2026-03-27 20:00 - 21:30
We are delighted to host Dr Dirk Brandherm of Queens University, Belfast in a collaborative event brought to you by West Wicklow Historical Society in partnership with Wicklow Uplands Council, and funded by Wicklow County Council.The focus of the night’s talk is one of the most exciting developments in Irish archaeology in recent years, emerging from fieldwork at the Brusselstown Ring in County Wicklow.Recent research suggests this remarkable site may represent the largest nucleated prehistoric settlement in Ireland and Britain and Ireland’s earliest proto-town, predating known Viking urban settlements by more than two millennia.We’ll begin with an accessible overview of the archaeological landscape and findings, led by Dr Brandherm, contextualising the significance of the Brusselstow Ring discoveries within broader prehistoric settlement patterns.We hope this evening deepens your appreciation of our local heritage, enriches understanding across academic and community perspectives, and inspires further curiosity about our shared past and historical landscape.

Lessons Learned & Opportunities for Irish Rivers - from the River Dee (Scotland)
2026-04-23 19:30 - 21:00
Join us for an engaging and insightful webinar exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our rivers in a changing environment.
We are delighted to welcome biologist Dr. Al Reeve of the River Dee Trust, who will share his first-hand experience of restoration and management work on the River Dee. Dr. Reeve will discuss the impacts of a changing climate, combined with long-standing pressures on the river system, and outline the lessons learned from ongoing efforts. He will also highlight what needs to happen going forward to achieve meaningful success at an appropriate scale.
The webinar will also feature short presentations on work currently underway across the Wicklow Mountains. This includes a particular focus on an upcoming project in Glensoulan, as well as recent changes in forestry guidance that may support riverbank planting and wider catchment restoration efforts.

Uplands Spring Clean ! - Litter Collection Evening
2026-04-29 16:30 - 19:30 | Djouce Car Park (Lower)
Join us for the Wicklow Uplands Spring Clean 2026, an inspiring community event organised by Wicklow Uplands Council as part of the Annual An Taisce National Spring Clean and in partnership with the PURE Project and Pure Mile Programme.
Together, we aim to tackle litter in the beautiful Wicklow uplands and preserve these cherished landscapes for everyone to enjoy. The event will begin at Djouce Car Park on the L1035, where volunteers will check in, collect supplies such as litter bags and pickers, and receive a quick Health and Safety briefing.
Please bring your own gloves and dress in weather-appropriate clothing with sturdy footwear, bring water and other supplies you might personally need. This is an opportunity to meet like minded people and do a small thing with big reward for the landscape and nature.
After the cleanup, join us back for some cake and a drink to connect with fellow volunteers and reflect on the difference we’ve made together. By participating, you’ll be supporting the incredible work of local communities involved in the PURE Project and Pure Mile Programme while contributing to the preservation of our natural heritage.
Register now to be part of this mammoth effort to protect the Wicklow uplands—let’s make it an evening to remember!

Walk Through 5,000 years of Farming on Newtown Hill - Heritage Week Event
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Johny Foxes Pub, Ballybetagh Road, Glencullen, Ireland
As part of National Heritage Week, Wicklow Uplands Council invites you to explore the remarkable archaeological landscape of Newtown Hill.
Join local landowner and long-standing WUC member Philip Maguire, together with his son Daniel, an archaeology student, for a guided walk through a landscape their family has cared for for generations. Along the way, discover evidence of more than 5,000 years of human activity, including ancient dwellings, burial sites and field systems, while hearing stories of the enduring relationship between people and place.
The walk concludes at the summit of Newtown Hill, with spectacular sunset views (hopefully!) across Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains and surrounding countryside.
Please note: The 2 km route includes uphill sections and uneven ground, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing are essential. Please come prepared for changing weather — and perhaps a few midges!
Registstration is essential, on eventbrite or contact the office
