The centre spine of the Wicklow Mountains is on a granite base that runs in line of the peaks. Other gentler slopes are greatly diversified by expansive corries gouged out of the flanks of the higher summits.

Special features of the area to the east of the spine are the glacial valleys, such as Glendalough, that penetrate from the mountain range..


Lough Dan is the largest and least inhabited of these valleys and contains two lakes, spectacular waterfalls, steep corries, slow meandering rivers, white sandy beaches and remnants of primeval oak woodlands that once covered most of Ireland.

Also to be found at Lough Dan are a number of village settlements which were decimated following the great famine which saw the population of Ireland reduced from eight million to a mere two million, 150 years ago..

Lough Dan Valley

The valley is a haven for wild life, deer, hares, rabbits and otter may be seen, while red grouse, snipe, pheasant, hen harrier, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and many other species are still resident.

The entire area is protected as a Special area of Conservation, a European designation.

The Wicklow Way

The " Wicklow Way" Irelands first long distance walking route, of 130 kilometres, overlooks the shores of Lough Dan, (making Lough Dan House a most suitable location for any walking holiday, or stop off point), .as it winds its way from Marley Park in Dublin, to Clonegal in Co. Carlow.

Glendalough

The St Kevin's pilgrim way, some 50 kilometres from Hollywood, in west Wicklow, to Glendalough, the oldest ecelastical city in Europe, which was founded by St Kevin in the fith century, is only 5 kilometres away from Lough Dan, (Which is where St Kevins, 'lover' is supposed to have lived!)

Lough Dan House is accessable to 35 summits over 500 meters, 24 summits over 600 meters, 12 summits over 700 metres, 4 summits over 800 meters and Lugnaquilla, only thirty minutes away at 925 meters. There are also countless miles of moderate low-level hill walking and coastal areas, well away from tarred roads and traffic.

With such variety of routes on the doorstep to chooses from, and all your holiday requirements taken care of, Lough Dan House is a most suiatable location for any walking holiday.