To celebrate National Heritage Week, why not join us for a guided walk titled  ‘A Journey to 1870’s Lacken’

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.

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 and electricity, resulted in the loss of 5,500 areas and the creation of Ireland’s largest man-made lake.

Wicklow Uplands Council in partnership with Lacken Community Development Association are delighted to be able to invite you to join a free guided walk titled ‘A Journey to 1870’s 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.

Two options have been organised to accommodate interest and to allow for strict adherence to government measures on outdoor gatherings. In response to adverse weather, the walks have been rescheduled to the following dates:

• Thursday the 27^thof August at 7pm – CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED
• Saturday the 29^thof August at 2.30pm

These two events are 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 27^th of August.  

Please correspond by email: bdunne@wicklowuplands.ie or phone: 01- 2818406.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Covid 19 measures such as social distancing, will be stringently implemented to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.  

The linear route requires participants to independently arrange two parts to their transport logistics. Firstly meeting at Lugnagun (exact details to follow) at 6.45pm/2.15pm followed by a second car or prearranged lift at 8.40pm/4.15pm outside the community centre in the village of Lacken.

The events are subject to rescheduling in circumstances such as adverse weather conditions or Covid-19 measures. Registered attendees will be notified of any changes.

The Council requests that interested parties be mindful that the route involves an incline that will be moderately strenuous and on uneven terrain.

Walking shoes or runners suitable for mountainous terrain must be worn.

We also suggest that you bring water and dress appropriately for the weather.

“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.

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.

We hope you enjoy the visual tour as much as we enjoyed making it.

Please Click Here To Read More On The ‘Exploring Lacken’s Built Heritage’ video project.