Largest Privately Owned Conservation Area in Ireland
As a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), specified by the EU Habitats Directive, we are a prime conservation area, considered to be important on a European as well an Irish level.
What is Luggala?
Luggala Estate’s 10,000 acres constitutes a privately owned conservation landscape situated within Wicklow Mountain National Park. It is formally designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC); its habitats include blanket bog, wet and dry heath, upland tributary rivers, oligotrophic lakes and remnants of ancient woodlands. It is also a Natura 2000 site and a Special Protection Area (SPA), reflecting its ecological significance and legal protections.
As the headwaters of the Avonmore River, a critical Blue Dot catchment area, Luggala plays a fundamental role in maintaining hydrological integrity, supporting biodiversity, and facilitating carbon sequestration. Its distinct ecological attributes position it as a critical site for applied conservation science, ecosystem management, and climate resilience research, contributing to broader efforts in environmental sustainability and habitat preservation.
Who are we?
Luggala Estate Limited became the stewards of Luggala Estate in 2019.
As dedicated environmentalists and conservationists, our mission is to conserve, protect and enhance the landscape and built heritage of Luggala Estate for generations to come. We are privileged to be able to undertake this vital work, restoring our unique Irish landscape.
We follow in the footsteps of The La Touche Family, Oonagh Guinness (Lady Oranmore and Browne) and The Honorable Garech Browne and we are committed to preserving their legacy.
Our work also honours Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient traditions to the enduring legacy of the Guinness family. By safeguarding this land, its history, and its cultural significance, we aim to protect the essence of Irish natural and cultural heritage for future generations.