Majority of Vartry Upper Reservoir Walking Trails to re-open for St Patrick’s Weekend

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.

Our crews 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.

Uisce Éireann acknowledge the inconvenience caused by these closures and appreciate the community’s ongoing cooperation as we prioritise public safety and the safety of our contractors. We would like to thank Wicklow County Council and Dublin City Council for their support with the ongoing clean-up efforts at the Vartry Upper Reservoir.