Glenealo
Gleann Abhlach
Map showing the location of Glenealo
Map showing the location of Glenealo
Location in Ireland
LocationCounty Wicklow, Ireland
Coordinates53°00′40″N 6°23′24″W / 53.011°N 6.39°W / 53.011; -6.39
Area4,838 acres (19.58 km2)
Governing bodyNational Parks and Wildlife Service

Glenealo Valley (Irish: Gleann Abhlach, meaning 'The Valley of the Apple Trees') is a national nature reserve of approximately 4,838 acres (19.58 km2) located in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is managed by the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service, part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Features

Glenealo Valley was legally protected as a national nature reserve by the Irish government in 1988.[1] The reserve is primarily an open valley set within the Wicklow Mountains, with a large plateau area of peatland and mixed heathland.[2] The area was the site of a former mine, which was closed in the 1950s. A population of feral goats live in the area, descended from the goats the miners left behind in the valley when the mine was abandoned.[3]

The valley forms part of the 10km Spinc and Glenealo Valley Loop walking trail.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ "S.I. No. 69/1988 - Nature Reserve (Glenealo Valley) Establishment Order, 1988". electronic Irish Statute Book (eISB). Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Glenealo Valley Nature Reserve". National Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Woodlands, flora & fauna". www.askaboutireland.ie. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  4. ^ Ó Conghaile, Pól (21 July 2019). "Walking Guide: Glendalough Spinc and Glenealo Valley Loop, Co Wicklow". The Independent. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Is this the best walk in all of Glendalough?". RTÉ Lifestyle. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
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