Wicklow Mountains alerts

Do not use solid-fuel BBQs in Wicklow Mountains National Park, and take extreme care with cigarettes and other naked flames because the hills are dry and at extreme risk of fire.

• It is the breeding season for upland ground-nesting birds; fire destroys habitats and kills nests and chicks and can be catastrophic for local populations.
• Report hill fires immediately to the National Park Duty Ranger on 087 980 3899.

Check the park’s current notices before travelling.

Expect intermittent disruption on the Glendalough Spinc trails while NPWS upgrades the White Trail.

• Work affects the White Zig Zags on the White Trail (Spinc and Glenealo Valley), from the Miners’ Village to the footbridge, and is expected to take 5 or 6 months from 20 July 2026.
• The trails remain open, except for one or two days when stone is brought in by helicopter; only a short section of about 10 metres is affected at a time, and moving materials may also disrupt the Blue Trail (Spinc Shortcut).
• Obey Trail Crew requests and NPWS signage. Large white sacks of stone and gravel are work materials, not litter bins—pack out your waste.

Check the park’s current notices before travelling.

Use extreme caution around Wicklow Mountains National Park’s mountain lakes and rivers: there are no lifeguards or approved safe swimming spots.

• The lakes are deep, dark and cold because glaciers carved them; cold water can cause cold-water shock, while currents, strong winds and hidden drop-offs can quickly overwhelm swimmers.
• Swimming is not forbidden, but inflatables such as lilos, rings and floating toys are banned because sudden mountain gusts can blow them offshore; pull buoys used by open-water swimmers are permitted.
• Boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are forbidden except under permit. At Upper Lake in Glendalough, a steep drop-off is close to the beach; parents should keep children well within their depth.

Check the park’s current notices before travelling.