The Great Sugarloaf Restoration Project has officially opened in County Wicklow following the completion of an ambitious programme of works.

Over time, erosion and overuse had damaged the popular trail on the historic Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding habitat. The path restoration works, which commenced in early 2024, included screening reports, helicopter airlifts of materials, hand-pitched path restoration, drainage improvements and replanting of the lower section of the mountain. These efforts will now encourage habitat development and recovery, providing a stepped trail and a designated safer route for users ascending and descending the mountain.

The Sugarloaf Mountain lies along the route of the Sugarloaf Way, which will eventually connect Bray Head to the Wicklow Way and other trails in the Wicklow Mountains.

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Funding for this project was provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), with Matching Funds from Wicklow County Council.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O'Brien, led the opening event, joined by the Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Dermot O'Brien, Director of Services for Wicklow County Council's CERA department, Theresa O'Brien, Bray Municipal District Manager, Lorraine Gallagher, CEO of County Wicklow Partnership, Brian Carty, elected members, stakeholders and members of the public.

Officially opening the trail, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul O'Brien noted: "This iconic mountain in County Wicklow is one of our most visited peaks, attracting over 1,000 visitors weekly throughout the year.

"We can now expect both locals and many visitors to enjoy an improved outdoor experience around the Sugarloaf, whether they come to the car park to admire the mountain, have a picnic, or climb to the top for magnificent views over County Dublin, County Wicklow and beyond the Irish Sea to the mountains of Wales."

Further details about the Sugarloaf restoration project can be seen on this video.

Photo credit: Michael Kelly.