Water Sports   

The National Park contains a number of lakes and rivers. The most popular in terms of visitor numbers, is the Upper Lake in Glendalough. All of the National Parks waterways are managed primarily for conservation purposes, and this has a bearing on whether or not an activity is permitted. Safety concerns are also an issue - mountain lakes tend to be deep and cold, and mountain rivers can rise dramatically and suddenly after rain.

If you have any queries, please contact us by telephone, email, post or in person.

Bathing and Paddling

The mountain lakes are occasionally used by locals and visitors. The beach close to the carpark at the Upper Lake, Glendalough is a popular spot for paddling and swimming during the summer. Visitors are warned that the lake is deep and the shallows areas around the lake have sudden depth changes. There is no lifeguard on duty. Wicklow County Council have erected 'No Swimming' signs at the lake and anyone entering the lake is warned that they are doing so at their own risk.

SCUBA Diving

SCUBA diving takes place in the Park under permit, mostly in the Upper Lake, Glendalough. To date, two clubs have been granted permits to dive in the Park.

Canoeing & Boating

Canoeing and kayaking takes place on the periphery of the National Park on the Avonbeg and Avonmore Rivers. There is no boating or kayaking permitted on the lakes at Glendalough, as the area is a Nature Reserve. For information on canoeing in Ireland see www.irishcanoeunion.com

Powerboating

Power-boating, water-skiing and jet skiing are not permitted on Park lakes e.g. Glendalough Upper and Lower Lakes, Upper Lough Bray, Lough Ouler. The only boats used on these sites are for management and rescue purposes.

Fishing

A number of rivers and lakes within the Park are occasionally fished. The most common species caught is Brown Trout. The principal angling waters within the Park are: the Upper River Liffey, the Avonmore, Lough Dan, Glendalough Upper and Lower Lakes, Kelly's Lough and Lough Ouler.

Fishing is permitted from 15th March to 30th September using artificial lures only. The waters in the Park are very low in nutrients and the averarge size of trout is very small at 15-18 cm (6-7 inches). All fish under 20.5cm (8 inches) must be returned unharmed.