The “Forest Town” Heritage: Mountkennedy Wood

Newtownmountkennedy’s identity is rooted in its trees. Unlike many modern towns, our “green infrastructure” is a mix of ancient demesne planting and active conservation. From the mature beech and oak of the historic Mount Kennedy Demesne to the native ash, hazel, and holly of Mount Kennedy Wood (managed by Coillte), our woodlands provide a critical “green lung.”

The Mighty Oak: Our woodland crown jewel is a Sessile Oak located in Mount Kennedy Wood with a 6.2-metre girth. Estimated to be over 200 years old, it survived the era of the great demesnes and remains a vital habitat for hundreds of insect species. (Heritage Guide PDF).

The NeighbourWood Scheme: This forest is part of an official partnership between Coillte and the local community to create a “wildlife corridor.” It features 17 different tree species, including native Ash, Hazel, and Holly.

Key Species: The health of our forest floor is proven by the presence of Dog Violets, Wild Garlic, and Wood Sorrel, plants that only thrive in long-established, stable woodland environments.

The Vartry & Altidore Rivers

The rivers flowing through Newtownmountkennedy are not just scenic boundaries; they are “High Status” ecological corridors that connect the mountains to the sea.

The Irish Dipper: Keep a quiet watch near the village bridge for the Irish Dipper (Cinclus cinclus hibernicus). This soot-coloured bird is a “bio-indicator”; it only lives near exceptionally clean, fast-flowing water where it “walks” underwater to hunt.

Fish Passage: The Vartry catchment is a vital nursery for Brown Trout and the critically endangered European Eel.

Riverbank Flora: The damp margins of the Altidore River support Golden Saxifrage and Hemlock Water-dropwort, providing essential cover for the elusive Otter, which has been recorded patrolling our local riverbanks at night

Carriggower Bog (Special Area of Conservation)

Just 4km from the town centre lies Carriggower Bog, a site of European importance protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The Quaking Bog: This is a “transition mire,” where the vegetation forms a floating mat over water. It is one of the few places in Wicklow where you can find the rare Bogbean and Marsh Cinquefoil.

A Bird Sanctuary: The bog consistently holds the highest national count for the Jack Snipe in Ireland. It is also a critical breeding ground for the Curlew and Red Grouse.

The Marsh Fritillary: This is the only insect in Ireland protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The bog’s specific damp heath provides the “Succisa pratensis” (Devil’s-bit Scabious) plant that these rare butterflies depend on for survival.

Mount Kennedy Woods Heritage and Nature Guide

Click on the link below to access and download our Mount Kennedy Woods Heritage and Nature guide

Our local environment supports a diverse range of Irish fauna. According to the Wicklow Uplands Council, keep an eye out for:

Mammals: Sika-Red hybrid deer (often seen at the forest edges), Pine Martens, Foxes, and Badgers. Our town is also home to several species of Bats (including Pipistrelles) that hunt along the tree-lined Main Street.

Birds: The Peregrine Falcon (symbol of the Wicklow Mountains National Park) can be spotted overhead. In the woodlands, listen for the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Insects: Look for the Silver-Washed Fritillary, Ireland’s largest butterfly, in the sunny woodland glades during summer.

Newtownmountkennedy offers nature walks for all fitness levels:

Mount Kennedy Wood Loop: A Coillte-managed trail through a narrow valley featuring over 17 species of trees.

The Heritage Walk: This route connects the town’s civic history with its natural setting, passing through designed “treescapes” and old demesne boundary walls.

Nearby Altidore & Ballinastoe: For those looking for more elevation and cycling, the nearby Ballinastoe woods offer sprawling views of the Sugarloaf.

Click HERE to see more trails over on our Walking & Cycling tab

Following the guidance of Biodiversity in Towns, we are committed to making Newtownmountkennedy a “Climate-Ready Town.” Our current projects include:

Pollinator Corridors: Planting native wildflowers to support our bees.

Habitat Enhancement: Bird, bat, and squirrel boxes have been installed at the entrance of Mount Kennedy Wood.

Fruit Tree planting: Community orchards have been planted across the town to encourage local wildlife, biodiversity and encourage community engagement

Education: We encourage residents to use “Nature-Friendly” gardening. See the Adare Tidy Towns Nature Page for inspiration on how community-led nature conservation works.

Do you have photos of local wildlife or want to join our next Tidy Towns clean-up or have any suggestions for Biodiversity projects? Click HERE to get in touch and we can point you in the right direction !!