DJOUCE WOODS

Djouce Woods (Dioghais – a height)
This extensive area of forest, dominated to the south west by the impressive Djouce mountain lies within the unbroken expanse of high and barren moor land that stretches from Dublin to the south-easterly borders of Co. Wicklow and is on the periphery of what was once the Royal Oak forest of Glencree. The scattered giant oak found in the area may have descended, through natural regeneration from the Royal Forest. The adaptable Sitka spruce may be found throughout the area with lodge pole pine and Douglas fir, while larch add a rustic gold to the Autumn forest. Broadleaved trees such as oak, beech and Spanish chestnut can be seen in the more fertile areas. On woodland rides, roadsides and open areas, heather, woodrush, wood sorrel, bilberry, sage and bracken are the common ground cover.

This area once formed part of the Powerscourt Estate, formally owned by Sir Richard Wingfield, Viscount Powerscourt. Between 1830-1840 he had numerous roads and drives surveyed and constructed– Lady’s Drive and Earls Drive - which now form part of our forest road and trail network. He also constructed the Paddock Ponds which were the water source for the famous Powerscourt fountains Unfortunately the earth dam which formed the ponds was breached during Hurricane Charlie and has not been reinstated. You can still see the remains of the boat house built into the bank on the western side of the ponds. Wildlife abounds in the area. One can see evidence of deer through out the forest – descendents of the Sika Deer introduced into the estate over 100 years ago and now breeding freely with the native red deer. The best time to see deer is the hour before sundown or early morning. Other animals found in the woods include foxes, rabbits, badgers and red squirrels.
The routes and trails in this forest offer excellent views over the River Dargle valley to the Powersourt Waterfall – the highest falls in Ireland or Britain - and to Djouce Mountain (725m) which lies to the south west in the Wicklow Mountain National Park. The area is a good jumping off point for accessing the mountain area of Djouce, War Hill, White Hill and Maulin and the Glensoulan valley. It also gives access to the Wicklow way and with a choice of heading north through Crone and Lackan or south to Ballinastoe.
Safety on the Hills
When venturing into the hills visitors are advised to be equipped with waterproof clothing, strong shoes or boots, a drink and a snack and a map and compass.