Where nature speaks
Contact Details
Postal Address
Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin, Laragh, via Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 K286.
Park Headquarters
Telephone:
0404 45800
From Outside Ireland:
+353 404 45800
FAX:
0404 45062
FROM OUTSIDE IRELAND:
+353 404 45062
DUTY RANGER:
087 980 3899
EMAIL:
wmnp@npws.gov.ie
Park Information Office
TELEPHONE:
+353 404 45425
FAX:
0404 45062
Emergencies
Emergencies
Most visitors to Wicklow Mountains National Park have a happy, carefree day. Occasionally, some visitors will need help or assistance.
Here are the numbers to call if you find yourself in the following situations:
Emergency services:
You can find medical help at a range of locations, depending on your need. Pharmacies can be found in most of the park’s surrounding towns where you can buy basic or prescription medicine.
You can call Caredoc (out of hours doctors) on 1850 334 999.
First Aid facilities, including an AED (defibrillator), are available at the Infromation Office and at the Education Centre.
Call emergency services on 112 or 999 in the case of a serious accident or illness.
Ask for Mountain Rescue when you call 112 or 999 if the casualty is located away from a road.
Please note:
The emergency numbers (112 and 999) will work even when there is no phone coverage. Our staff will also be happy to provide phone service in emergencies.
If you need the Mountain Rescue team, please phone 112 or 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
Mountain Rescue is a voluntary service that assists people who find themselves in trouble in the hills. The highly trained team work all hours and in all weathers to assist those that are missing, injured or ill in the mountains.
The Irish Mountain Rescue Association comprises of 11 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT) and one national search and rescue dog team (SARDA). Of these, two teams cover the Wicklow Mountains – the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Team and the Dublin/Wicklow Team. They are assisted when required by SARDA and the South Eastern MRT (SEMRA).
Please remember that Mountain Rescue is a voluntary organisation supported by fundraising. Please donate if you can.
It is not uncommon for visitors to get separated from their group. Groups should have a pre-arranged plan that the missing person and those looking for them should return to their vehicle or a pre-arranged meeting point. If this isn’t possible you can seek help from our staff or by ringing the emergency services on 112 or 999 and asking for Gardaí or Mountain Rescue.
If the missing person is a child, special needs adult, or a person who requires medication you should seek help immediately.
Is there any public transport to the National Park?
The National Park covers over 200 square kilometres of wild mountain habitat, much of which is not accessible by public transport, although some private tour companies will take coach tours through the park. The valley of Glendalough is accessible by bus. The privately owned St. Kevin’s Bus company operates a service from Dublin city centre to Glendalough (www.glendaloughbus.com). There are also Local Link buses from Wicklow town to Laragh and from Rathdrum to Laragh (www.transportforireland.ie/tfi-local-link).
Are the trails wheelchair friendly?
None of our trails are officially approved for wheelchairs. However, many wheelchair users, or families with buggies, are happy to travel the Lower Lake boardwalk between the OPW Visitor Centre and the Upper Lake. The Green Road on the other side of the Lower Lake is rougher and steeper – it is ok for buggies, but not so safe for wheelchairs. The Miners’ Road, along the north side of the Upper Lake, is also suitable for buggies, but may be too rough for wheelchairs.
Where are the toilets?
Public toilets are provided at the OPW Visitor Centre and at the Upper Lake Car Park. The park itself does not have any public toilets.
Can I fly a drone?
The National Park is a No Drone Zone. Drones upset wildlife (and visitors). If you wish to fly a drone, you may apply to the National Park for a permit.
How much is the entry fee?
Entry to the National Park is free. There may be a parking charge.
Can I collect mushrooms?
No. Our primary role is the conservation of nature, so foraging, picking and harvesting mushrooms is forbidden.
What time does the park close?
The National Park is open all the time. People are welcome to come and go at any hour of the day or night. The National Park Information Office is open daily, except on Christmas Day. Opening hours vary throughout the year, but core opening hours are between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Most of the adjacent car parks also have opening and closing hours. These vary throughout the year.