Welcome to Roundwood Vartry Reservoir.  There are a number of beautiful trails around the reservoir with thriving wildlife, flora, fauna and mountain views.  Combined, there are nearly 20km of trails for all to enjoy!

Between 1862 and 1868, Lower Vartry Reservoir was formed by constructing a dam across the valley of the river Vartry.  To provide additional storage, a second dam was completed in 1923 forming the Upper Reservoir.  Both dams are earthen embankments with waterproof cores and have stone facings  on the upstream slopes to prevent wave erosion.

Woodland Trail:

This trail follows the short steep-sided cutting linking the Upper and Lower Vartry Reservoirs through stands of one hundred year old Scots Pine trees.  Great Crested Grebes breed here on floating nests and are regularly sighted from this walk.

• Grade:  Easy
• Markings: Pink Arrows – Loop Trail
• Distance: 3.3km
• Estimated Time: 45mins
• Total Height Climbed: 20m
• Suitable for: Families with children

How to get to Start Point: Knockraheen Entrance

• GPS START POINT: 53.0718,-6.2049
• GRID REF:  O 203 038

Nearest Town: Roundwood

• Bus: St Kevins Bus  – www.glendaloughbus.com/‎ +353 (0)1 281 8119

Upper Vartry Trail:

This trail skirts the edges of the upper reservoir and has some steep inclines.  There are panoramic views of the Sugarloaf and Djouce Mountains and meandering paths through woodland.

• Grade: Easy
• Markings: Green Arrows – Loop trail
• Distance: 6.4km
• Estimated Time: 1.5hrs
• Total Height Climbed: 20m
• Suitable for: Families

How to get to Start Point: Knockraheen Entrance

• GPS START POINT: 53.0718,-6.2049
• GRID REF:  O 203 038

Nearest Town: Roundwood

• Bus: St Kevins Bus  – www.glendaloughbus.com/‎ +353 (0)1 281 8119

Lower Vartry Trail

The trail follows lakeside paths and country roads with fantastic views across the water.  Watch out for the Ballaun stone on the waters edge.  When water levels are very low, the old bridge that used to cross the river Vartry can be seen.

• Grade:  Easy
• Markings: Blue Arrows – Loop Trail
• Distance:  7.9km
• Estimated Time: 2hrs
• Total Height Climbed: 30m
• Suitable for: Families

How to get to the Start Point: In Roundwood Village at T-junction between R755 and R765 roads

• GPS START POINT: 53.067517,-6.22306
• GRID REF: O 191 033

Nearest Town: Roundwood

• Bus: St Kevins Bus  – www.glendaloughbus.com/‎ +353 (0)1 281 8119