General description

Our Parish covers two historic West Wicklow areas in the province of Leinster, Ireland:

Donard (Dún Ard, meaning High Fort) and the Glen of Imaal (An Gleann).

Donard is a tranquil village 30 miles from Dublin, nestled in the foothills of the West Wicklow Mountains. One of the gateways to the majestic
Glen of Imaal, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, much of which has been used as an army artillery range since 1900.

Donard is an ideal base for hillwalking, circled as it is by Table & Church Mountains, Lugnaquilla and Keadeen. Surrounded by raths and moats, it is rich in relics of the Pre-Christian era. Ceremonial stone circles and Brusselstown Iron Age Ringfort provide evidence of Neolithic settlement between 2,600 and 1,800 BC. Nearby in Derrynamuck is a cottage dedicated to the memory of Michael Dwyer & Sam McAllister, both celebrated 1798 leaders.

The long established Donard Glen GAA team is known for its successes and fighting spirit. With its own Athletic Track, Camogie, Ladies Football team & world class Equestrian Trials, Donard/Glen nurtures many sporting talents. Donard and the Glen have active, friendly local communities, a lively tradition of music and arts, beautifully restored churches and a varied network of businesses and tradesmen…making it a jewel of an area to live in and visit. You’re very welcome!