Vartry Walking Trails To Reopen For St Patricks Weekend.

Uisce Éireann is continuing to work with Dublin City Council to remove a significant number of fallen trees in Vartry Reservoir Woodland areas following the impact of high winds from Storm Darragh

Uisce Éireann is continuing to work with Dublin City Council to remove a significant number of fallen trees in Vartry Reservoir Woodland areas following the impact of high winds from Storm Darragh in December 2024. Fallen trees blocked the main access points to the Upper Vartry Reservoir Park and Dam. A significant number of trees were also partially uprooted and at a heightened risk of falling. 

Uisce Éireann, working with Dublin City Council, mobilised a contractor to clear all uprooted trees, undertake a risk assessment of remaining trees, and remove additional trees which posed a risk to the public. Large accumulations of snowfall during the cold snap in early January, and high winds during Storm Éowyn in late January, delayed tree clearance works, as we temporarily stood down works on both occasions to prioritise the safety of crews on site. Uisce Éireann in collaboration with County Wicklow Partnership are pleased to confirm that a significant portion of walking trails around Vartry Upper Reservoir will be re-opened in time for St Patrick’s weekend. The following areas will be re-opening to the public:

The Upper Vartry Trail, including:

• Upper Vartry Reservoir Carpark
• Carpark and Layby along R765 (Knockraheen pedestrian gate)
• Vartry Upper Dam Crest
• Family Play Trail (1km Loop)
• Roundwood Reservoir – Upper Vartry Trail (6.5km Loop)

Temporary signage will be in place to direct the public towards open routes.

The following trails will remain closed as clean-up works are ongoing:

• Vartry Upper – Woodland Trail 
• Vartry Upper – Roundwood Reservoir Woodpecker Trail
• All woodland walking trails in and around Vartry Lower Reservoir 

We are appealing to the public to avoid these trails until further works to ensure these areas are safe are complete. We anticipate being in a position to reopen additional trails on a phased basis as clearance works are completed.