Carved out during the last ice age, the stunning U-shaped valley of Glenmalure stretches for twenty kilometres from the heart of the Wicklow Mountains towards the Irish Sea. Only the tallest mountains, including Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in Leinster at 925 metres, stood out above the ice. Rivers and waterfalls have continued to shape this area since the ice melted. Over thousands of years, life returned to the valley, and the peatland, woodland, and grassland that developed are now home to a wide range of animal and plant species. On your visit, look out for wild deer, goats, peregrine falcons, and woodpeckers.
It is hard to imagine that this was once home to a vibrant mining industry. The ruins of the spoil heaps and crusher houses are now all that indicate the busy mining settlements of the past, although pollution from the mines remains a concern. This area has been central to key events in Irish history. The valley has witnessed the Battle of Glenmalure in 1580, the escape of Irish leaders from Dublin Castle in 1592, and various events connected with the 1798 United Irish Rebellion. More recently, it was home to former revolutionaries Maud Gone and Dr Kathleen Lynn.
There are various car parking locations around Glenmalure from where paths of different qualities and lengths will take you into the surrounding mountains. Please be a responsible visitor, ensure your own safety by planning your routes and obeying the countryside code.