Wicklow Mountains National Park Events 2010
Booking Details
Places are limited on most events, so to be fair to everyone, we will only take bookings from two weeks before the event. The number to phone, and the date that we take bookings from is listed with each event.
All events are free of charge.
If you wish to be notified about future events, please send your email address to: wickloweducationcentre@environ.ie
To download a dpf file of our Events 2010, click here.
An Evening with the Stars
With the Irish Astronomical Society
Saturday 6 March
A Talk on the Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn
7 p.m. at the Education Centre
followed by....
Star Gazing
Anytime between 8pm and 10pm, Upper Lake car park.
Come along and observe Saturn, the moon and the night sky. Members of the Irish astronomical Society will have powerful telescopes set up. This event is dependant on good weather and clear skies. Please phone 0404 45425 on the day, to check that the event will take place. Suitable for all the family. Booking is not necessary. For more information, please phone 0404 45656(weekdays); or 0404 45425 (weekends).
Grouse Hike
Saturday 27 March
9.30 am. On the Wicklow Way near Djouce.
The Red Grouse is a declining species in Ireland. We 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 4 to 5 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 older secondary aged children (+16yrs) with an interest in the subject. Booking is essential. To book, please phone 0404 45656(weekdays) ; or 040445425 (weekends).
Knocksink Wood Wildflower Walk
Saturday 24 April
11am. Education Centre, Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, Enniskerry.
2.30pm. Due to demand, a second walk has been scheduled for 2.30pm.
Learn to identify some of the wildflowers of Knocksink Woods Nature Reserve, Enniskerry and discover a little about their ecology, folklore & history. This easy walk of 1.5 to 2 hours is aimed at adults but maybe suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 10th April only. To book, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays); or 040445425 (weekends).
Knocksink Wood Bat Walk
Thursday 13 May
9.15pm. Education Centre , Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve, Enniskerry.
See, hear, and learn about bats. Allow 1 to 2 hours but participants can join us for as long or as short as they wish. Meeting at dusk (9.15pm). Bring insect repellent and a torch. Booking is not required - all are welcome. For more information, please phone Knocksink Wood Education Centre 01 2866609 (weekdays).
Dawn Chorus
with BirdWatch Ireland
for National Biodiversity Week
Sunday 16 May
5a.m. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
Sunday 16th 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. Allow 2 hours. 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 necessary. For more information, please phone 0404 45425.
Bioblitz
for National Biodiversity Week
5p.m. Friday 21 May to 5p.m. Saturday 22 May
Ireland's first ever Bioblitz event! Various national parks and sites around Ireland shall be competing to record the largest number of species within the 24 hour period. During the 24 hours, we shall be hosting several events for the public (details to be announced later) and the Education Centre shall be open as a Bioblitz Base. Stop in to the Bioblitz base at any stage to see how things are going - how many species have been found so far?
Bioblitz Base Camp
9am to 5pm on Saturday 22 May
Where is it?
Our BioBlitz Base Camp will be located in the Education Centre, beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough (on the Miners’ Road). Tel:0404 45656. The Base Camp will be open to the public from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd May. Please call in to find out all about the Biodiversity of Wicklow Mountains National Park. Keep track of how the species count is going in Wicklow Mountains National Park and at the other BioBlitz centres across the country.
Families will enjoy exploring our nature room with our fun touchy-feely and microscope displays. Families can pick up a free BioBlitz Identity Card and can have fun trying to find all the species on the I.D. cards. All are welcome but children must be supervised at all times.
Are You Interested in Recording Species?
Everyone is welcome to register at base camp and pick up an official BioBlitz recording sheet. Species recorded must be seen within Wicklow Mountains National Park between 17.00hrs on 21 May and 17.00hrs 22nd May 2010. This includes wild, naturalised and feral species, but does not include domesticated or species held in captivity.
Bioblitz Bat Walk
9:30pm Friday 21 May
See, hear and learn about bats. Ecologist and bat expert Faith Wilson will be leading an evening Bat Walk to identify bat species in the valley of Glendalough. Meet at the Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough. Bring insect repellent and a torch. Booking is not required - all are welcome. For further details, please phonel 0404 45656 or 0404 45425.
Bioblitz Moth Trapping
9:30am Sat 22 May
Discover the amazing and often colourful world of Ireland’s moths with expert Angus Tyner. Join us as we empty a moth trap and identify and release the moths. Meet at the Education Centre. Booking is not required. For further details, please phonel 0404 45656 or 0404 45425.
Bioblitz Pond Dipping and River Sampling
11am Saturday 22 May
Join Dr. Mary Kelly Quinn and Letizia Cocchiglia for some pond dipping to discover what sort of creatures are living in our sensory garden pond. Followed by a short walk to the river for a demonstration of sampling techniques showing the invertebrate life of the river. Meet at the Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough. Booking is not required. All are welcome but children must be supervised at all times. For further details, please phonel 0404 45656 or 0404 45425.
Bioblitz Lichen Walk
12 noon, Saturday 22 May
Lichens are colourful, primitive plants that grow on rocks and trees. Explore the rich biodiversity of lichens living in the National Park with lichen experts Maria Cullen and Howard Fox. A gentle two hour walk in the Glendalough valley. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 8th May only. To book, please phone 0404 45425.
Bioblitz Dragonfly Walk
2pm Saturday 22 May
Join District Conservation Officer Ciara Flynn on a quest to find Glendalough’s damselflies and dragonflies. Sturdy footwear or wellington boots advisable. Not suitable for buggies or very small children. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 8th May only. To book, please phone 0404 45425.
Bioblitz Diatom Display
Saturday 22nd May
Diatoms are tiny microscopic organisms that live in water. Call into our 'BioBlitz Base Camp' where diatom expert Leszek Wolnik will be examining these minute creatures under the microscope. This is an exciting opportunity to not only view the diatoms, but learn how diatom samples are taken and how to make a slide to view the diatoms under the microscope. Booking is not required. For further details, please phonel 0404 45656 or 0404 45425.
Click here for a listing of our Bioblitz events (pdf file).
Click here for a Bioblitz poster (pdf file).
Falcon Watch
Sunday 20th June 2010
10a.m. to 4p.m. Miners' Village, Upper Lake, Glendalough
The Wicklow Mountains National Park was set up to protect a range of native plants & animals including the world’s fastest creature – the Peregrine falcon.
National Park staff will have telescopes trained on one of the falcon nests in order to allow people to enjoy this special time of the year for the fledging chicks.
At this stage the two chicks will be losing their downy fluff and be developing the feathers that will allow them to leave the nest. They’ll be hungry and more and more active as the time approaches for them to stretch their wings.
The Miners’ Village is at the head of the Upper Lake in Glendalough and is 30 minutes gentle walk from the Upper Lake Car Park. All are welcome to come and view these majestic creatures at any stage of the day.
Bring along binoculars if you have them. All ages welcome - booking not necessary. For more information, please phone 0404 45425.
Bug Walk
Saturday 26 June
11a.m. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs. Bring a jar with a lid to help examine the mini-beasts. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Much loved by children and adults alike. Family friendly, although not suitable for buggies. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 12th June only. For bookings, please phone 0404 45425.
Family Fun Day: Flowers
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 15 July
Our first Family Fun day of the season. Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on flowers. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 8 July. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Family Fun Day: Birds
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 22 July
Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on birds. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 15 July. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Bog Walk
Saturday 24 July
Cancelled due to staff shortages
Family Fun Day: Bug Safari
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 29 July
Our first Family Fun day of the season. Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on bugs, creepy-crawlies and mini-beasts. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 22 July. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Family Fun Day: Mammals
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 5 August
Our first Family Fun day of the season. Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on mammals. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 29 July. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Glendalough Bat Day
Thursday 12 August
Family Fun Day: Bats
2 - 4 p.m.
Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on bats. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 5 August. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Family Bat Talk
7.45 pm. Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough
This bat evening starts with an interactive talk about bats — entertaining for both children and adults. Booking is not required - all are welcome.
Family Bat Walk
8.30 pm. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
Join us for a bat walk. Bring insect repellent and a torch. Allow 1 to 2 hours but participants can join us for as long or as short as they wish. Participants are welcome to come to either or both Bat Talk or Bat Walk events. Booking is not required - all are welcome. For more information, please phone 0404 45425.
Family Fun Day: Trees
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 19 August
Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on trees. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 12 August. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
Tree ID Walk
for National Heritage Week
Saturday 21 August
Sorry, this event is fully booked.
11am. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
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. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 7th August only. For bookings, please phone 0404 45425.
Moss ID Walk
for Heritage Week
Saturday 21st August
Sorry, this event is fully booked.
2pm. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough.
Bryophytes are a primitive but fascinating group of plants which include mosses, hornworts and liverworts. Glendalough is a particularly rich area for this little known group of plants. Come and discover them with bryophyte expert, Dr. Joanne Denyer. Joanne Denyer is currently working on a Heritage Council funded project to survey bryophytes in the northern part of the Wicklow Mountain’s National Park. One of the project aims is to encourage bryophyte interest and knowledge in the local community and the bryophyte identification walk will contribute to this.
Aimed at adults but also suitable for secondary aged children with an interest in natural history. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track. Not suitable for buggies. Meeting at the Wicklow Mountains National Park Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough.
Booking is essential. Bookings taken from Saturday 7th August only. For bookings please phone 0404 45425 (Monday to Sunday).
Family Fun Day: Habitats
2 - 4 p.m. Thursday 26 August
Our last Family Fun day of the summer. Bring your primary school aged children along to the Education Centre for a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities, including art and nature walks. This week's Family Fun focuses on habitats. Please note, an adult must stay with the children, and be prepared to help! Booking is essential. Bookings taken from 9a.m. on 21 August. For bookings, please phone 0404 45656 (weekdays).
National Trails Day
Sunday 3rd October
10am to 5pm. Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
To celebrate National Trails Day, we are giving out a free Walking Trails of Glendalough leaflet and a free Nature Trail leaflet to each family / group that stops in to our Information Office. Visit the National Trails Day website for more information about events around the country. Please note, that participants will not be escorted on their walk. Hiking boots and rain gear are recommended for some of our trails. Booking is not required. For more information, please phone 0404 45656(weekdays); or 0404 45425 (weekends).
Deer Rut Watch
Saturday 16 October
11am to 4pm. Directions can be got from the Information Office, Upper Lake, Glendalough
Take a walk in Glendalough, and stop en route to see the deer. National Parks & Wildlife Service Guides shall have telescopes set up between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will be available to discuss the deer and their ecology. Suitable for all ages. 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. Hiking boots and rain gear are recommended. Booking is not required. For more information, please phone 0404 45656(weekdays); or 0404 45425 (weekends).