Donard in the Glen of Imaal

Donard lies in the heart of the Glen of Imaal and has a strong connection to the surrounding hills. From Donard, you can explore routes to Table Mountain (702 m), Church Mountain (546 m), Lugnaquilla (924 m) and Keadeen (655 m). The elevations of these hills range from 546 to 924 metres: Lugnaquilla is the highest and Church Mountain the lowest. This means you can consider different destinations when planning your trip, using the elevation figures as a guide.

Woodland paths and hills around Donard

One specific route is the Fauna Loop. It starts and ends in the centre of Donard. From there, the route first follows a narrow country road for 1.8 km to a 4.3 km circular trail through woodland paths. The two distances describe different sections: the road section leads to the loop, whose own route runs through the woods. This distinction helps you interpret the figures correctly when planning, without confusing the length of the loop with the distance from the village centre.

Ogham stone and local history

The Donard Ogham Stone now stands on the village green in Donard Village. It was moved there from its original location at Avoca Rathdrum and is one of the few Ogham stones in County Wicklow. Its inscription may read “LAQINI KOI MAQI MUC”; the reading is therefore uncertain. The place name also points to an older history: Donard derives from Dún Ard, meaning “high fort”. Ruins of this fort are still partly visible above the village.

More to discover in County Wicklow

County Wicklow offers other historical sites, including Glendalough. Saint Kevin founded a monastery there in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. These surviving structures give the monastery’s history a tangible presence and offer a different focus from the Ogham stone and fort ruins in Donard.

The landscape and walking routes also shape County Wicklow. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. The county has more than 50 walking routes, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. As route information can change, it is a good idea to check the latest details before planning.

In Rathdrum, County Wicklow, Beyond the Trees Avondale has a 1.4 km treetop walk that ends at a 38 m-high viewing tower. From there, the panoramic view takes in the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. A 90 m spiral slide descends from the tower. Avondale was also the site of Ireland’s first forestry school in 1904. Check the attraction’s current operating details before visiting.

Another landscape attraction is Mount Usher Gardens in the village of Ashford. The gardens in County Wicklow cover 22 acres along the River Vartry and are considered an example of Robinsonian-style planting. Nearby, you can explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan foods; the selection may change.

When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to distinguish between different travel interests: here, Donard is associated with the Glen of Imaal, routes through the surrounding hills and local history. County Wicklow adds monastery remains, a long-distance trail, parkland, gardens and other experiences to this local perspective. Consider which of these topics matter for your trip, and check the relevant visitor and route information as you plan.

Discover more destinations: Rathdrum, Ashford, Shillelagh, Arklow, Roundwood, An Láithreach, Tinahely, Ballyknockan.

For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.