Wicklow Mountains National Park Events 2009
The 2009 events programme has now concluded for the season.
Events will start again in March 2010.
Booking Details
To book, please phone 0404 45656 (Monday to Friday); or 0404 45425 (Saturday & Sundays).
Places are limited on most events, so to be fair to everyone, we will only take bookings from two weeks before the event. The date that we take bookings from is listed with each event.
Unless otherwise specified, all walks start at 11am at the National Park Information Office beside the Upper Lake, Glendalough. All events are free of charge.
If you wish to be notified about future events, please send your email address to: wickloweducationcentre@environ.ie
Spring Events
Star Gazing & Saturn Observation Night
(In conjunction with the Irish Astronomical Society)
Saturday 7th March 2009
Come along and observe Saturn, the moon and the night sky at the Upper Lake, Glendalough. Members of the Irish Astronomical Society will have powerful telescopes set up to view the night sky. This event is weather dependant. Please phone the Information Office (0404 45425) on the day to check that the event will take place.
Suitable for all the family. Booking not necessary. This event will take place in the upper lake area of Glendalough. Drop in anytime from 8pm to 10pm. For more information phone 0404 45656 or 0404 45425.
Conservation Hike Up Tonelegee
Saturday 21st March 2009
A strenuous hike of four to five hours starting at 11am at the Wicklow Gap car park and climbing up to the 817 metre summit of Tonelagee mountain. En route, a National Park Guide will discuss conservation issues that face the Park. This walk is limited to 10 places. Bring a pack lunch and be equipped for hiking in bad weather (hiking boots and suitable rain gear are essential).
Not suitable for children. Booking is essential.
To book, phone 0404 45656 (Mon - Fri) or 0404 45425 (Sat & Sun).
Grouse Hike
Saturday 4th April 2009
The Red Grouse is a declining species in Ireland. National Park Guides will discuss the protection & habitat management programme in detail, and hopefully we will see some of the grouse too. This is a slow hike of two to four hours on the Wicklow Way near Djouce. Some of the hike will be off track. Participants must bring a pack lunch and be equipped for hiking in bad weather (Hiking boots and suitable rain gear are essential).
Aimed at adults but suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in the subject. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 21st March only.
Clara Vale Walk
Saturday 25th April 2009
Explore the woods of Clara Vale Nature Reserve with a National Park Guide looking at the plants and animals there and the history of the woods. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track.
Aimed at adults but also suitable for older children with an interest in natural history. Not suitable for buggies. Meeting at 11am outside Clara Vale church. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 11th April only.
Download our Spring events
Summer Events
Dawn Chorus (In conjunction with Birdwatch Ireland)
Sunday 17th May 2009
Sunday 17th May is Dawn Chorus Day, and all over Ireland people will be getting up incredibly early to join a guided walk to listen to and learn the birds’ songs. The National Park is delighted to once again welcome the staff of Birdwatch Ireland to host this walk. There is no limit to the number of participants – all are welcome. There is an optional Birdsong Workshop in the Education Centre after the walk.
Suitable for all ages. Booking is not required. Meeting at 5am at the Upper Lake car park in Glendalough.
Brittas Bay Beach & Sand Dune Walk
For National Biodiversity Week
Saturday 23rd May 2009
Explore the sand dune system of Buckroney Nature Reserve, beside Brittas Bay, with a National Parks & Wildlife Service Guide looking at the biodiversity of plants and animals that live there. A gentle walk through the dune system discovering the wealth of flora and fauna that live there.
Aimed at adults but also suitable for older children with an interest in natural history. Not suitable for buggies. Meeting at Buckroney Nature Reserve 11am. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 9th May only.
St. Kevin’s Way Walk
Saturday 6th June 2009
To celebrate St. Kevin’s Day the National Park will be hosting a walk along a section of the St. Kevin’s Way Pilgrim Route. Join a Wicklow Mountains National Park Guide and look at the nature and history of this old pilgrim route. Expect to hike for 3 to 4 hours. Participants must wear hiking boots and bring full rain gear and a pack lunch.
Aimed at adults but may be suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in the subject. Meet at the Visitors Centre at 11 am. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 23rd May only.
Peregrine Falcon Watch
Sunday 7th June 2009
The Wicklow Mountains National Park was established to protect a range of native plants & animals including the world's fastest animal – the Peregrine falcon. We shall have telescopes looking at a nestsite in Glendalough, with education staff to answer all your questions. Come along find out more about these very special birds. All welcome. Booking not necessary. Drop in any time between 10am and 5pm. Directions to the telescopes can be had from the Information Office.
For more information, phone 0404 45425.
Chimpanzee Rehabilitation & Habitat Reconstruction
Thursday 11th June 8pm
A Lecture by Méabh Ní Chuinneagáin, NPWS. This is the start of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Booking is not required. All are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Bug Walk
Sunday 14th June 2009
Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs. Bring a jar with a lid to help examine the mini-beasts. Much loved by children and adults alike.
Family friendly, although not suitable for buggies. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 30th May only.
A Seal's Life - An Insight into these Wonderful Animals
Thursday 18th June 8pm
A Lecture by Sarah Fields of the Irish Seal Sanctuary. This is one of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Booking is not required. All are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Bat Walk
9.30pm Thursday 18th June 2009
See, hear, and learn about bats on our ever popular bat walk. Meet at the Information Office at dusk (9.30pm) to see the bats emerge from their roost. Bring insect repellent and a torch.
Booking is not required - all are welcome.
The Reptile That St. Patrick Forgot: the IWT Lizard Survey 2008
Thursday 25th June 8pm
A Lecture by Sean Meehan, NPWS. This is one of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Booking is not required. All are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday 27th June 2009
Learn to identify some of the wildflowers of Glendalough and discover a little about their ecology, folklore & history.
This walk is aimed at adults but maybe suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential. To book, phone 0404 45425.
The Garden Birds of Co. Wicklow
Thursday 2nd July 8pm
A Lecture by Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland. This is one of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Booking is not required. All are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Family Fun Day: Flowers
2 - 4 pm Thursday 9th July 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on flowers. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
An Introduction to the Moths of Ireland
Thursday 9th July 8pm
A Lecture by Angus Tyner of Moths Ireland. This is one of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Booking is not required. All are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404-45425.
Family Fun Day: Birds
2 - 4 pm Thursday 16th July 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on birds. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Family Fun Day: Bug Safari
2 - 4 pm Thursday 23rd July 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on bugs. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Bog Walk
Saturday 25th July 2009
Explore one of Ireland’s most important habitats - the ever-declining bog. See insect eating plants and explore the life of a bog pool. This walk will be off track and wet underfoot, so all participants must be suitably equipped. (Hiking boots and suitable rain gear). The walk is limited to 15 places. We shall be meeting at the OPW Visitor Centre, beside the Monastic City, at 11am, and shall be taken by minibus to the site.
This event is aimed at adults but may be suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential. To book, phone 0404 45425.
Family Fun Day: Mammals
2 - 4 pm Thursday 30th July 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on mammals. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Ireland's Wild Orchids Need You
Thursday 30th July 8pm
A Lecture by Dr. Tom Curtis & Faith Wilson of Orchid Ireland. This is one of our Summer Lecture Series. Lectures shall be held every Thursday at 8pm in our Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough. Visitors are advised to park in the Upper Lake car park and allow 5 minutes to walk up to the centre. Please note that this is a Wicklow County Council car park, and a charge of €4 applies.
Download our Summer events
Autumn Events
Family Fun Day: Trees
2 - 4 pm Thursday 6th August 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on trees. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Bug Walk
Sunday 9th August 2009
Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs. Bring a jar with a lid to help examine the mini-beasts. Much loved by children and adults alike. Family friendly, although not suitable for buggies. Booking is essential. To book, phone 0404-45425 .
Family Fun Day: Bats
2 - 4 pm Thursday 13th August 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on bats. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Family Bat Lecture & Walk
Thursday 13th August 2009
This bat evening starts at 7.45pm with a interactive talk about bats at our Education Centre—entertaining for both children and adults. At 8.30pm we shall head over to the Information Office for a bat walk. (Bring insect repellent and a torch.) Participants are welcome to come to either or both event. Booking is not required - all are welcome.
Family Fun Day: Lakes & Rivers
2 - 4 pm Thursday 20th August 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on lakes and rivers. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Family Heritage Treasure Hunt
(For Heritage week - see www.heritageweek.ie)
Sunday 23rd August 2009
This Family Treasure Hunt takes place around the lawns of Glendalough. Each team shall consist of no more than two adults and four children. There is a €5 donation (or higher) per team to Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue www.wicklowmountainrescue.ie. Each team, on signing in at our Information Office shall receive a complete set of Wicklow Mountains National Park leaflets and a set of clues. The treasure hunt should only take about an hour, and teams can start at any time, provided their answers are handed back into the Information Office by 4 p.m. The winning team shall receive a €50 book token.
Booking would be appreciated, but is not essential. To book phone 0404 45425. Participants can sign in between 10am & 3pm.
Family Fun Day: Habitats
2 - 4 pm Thursday 27th August 2009
Parents are invited to bring their children (aged 4 - 12 yrs) to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Each week features a different theme - this week we shall be focusing on habitats and the plants and animals that live there. Please note that an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken one week prior to each Family Fun day. To book, phone 0404 45656.
Heritage Walk
(For Heritage week - see www.heritageweek.ie)
Sunday 30th August 2009
A gentle walk around the valley of Glendalough with a National Park Guide looking at the natural and built heritage. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track. Aimed at adults but also suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential. To book, phone 0404 45425.
Tree Identification Walk
Saturday 5th September 2009
Learn how to identify trees and discover their history, folklore, ecology and uses. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track. Aimed at adults but also suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Not suitable for buggies. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 22nd August only.
National Trails Day
Sunday 4 October 2009, 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Sunday 4 October is National Trails Day and all over Ireland, events have been organised to celebrate Ireland’s trail network. To celebrate, Wicklow Mountains National park is launching a new series of nature trail guides to accompany the walking trails of Glendalough. Come along and pick up a free guide from our Information Office. Trees, Wild Flowers and Birds have been written for adults whilst Mammal Tracks & Signs are very suitable for young families. The guides will be available from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from the National Park Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough. Booking is not required. This event is free of charge. For more information, please phone 0404 45656 (Monday to Friday) or 0404 45425 (weekends).
Deer Watch
Saturday 10th October 2009
Take a walk in Glendalough, and stop en route to see the deer. The National Park shall have telescopes set up between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. with Guides on hand to discuss the deer and their ecology. Directions to the telescopes can be got at the Information Office. Getting to the scopes will involve a hike, but shall be along one of the way-marked routes. Please note, that participants will not be escorted on the walk. Suitable for all ages. Booking is not required. Hiking boots and rain gear are recommended. Booking is not required. This event is free of charge. For more information, please phone 0404 45656 (Monday to Friday) or 0404 45425 (weekends).
Star Gazing in the National Park
(In conjunction with the Irish Astronomical Society)
Thursday 22 October 2009, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Come along and observe the gas giant Jupiter, Jupiter’s moons and other areas of the night sky at the Upper Lake, Glendalough. Members of the Irish astronomical Society will have powerful telescopes set up. This event is dependant on good weather. Please phone The Education Centre 0404 45656 on the day to check that the event will take place. Suitable for all the family. Booking is not required. This event is free of charge. For more information, please phone 0404 45656 (Monday to Friday) or 0404 45425 (weekends).
Download our Autumn Events