Deep Listening in the Glen with Róisín de Buitléar

This site-specific sound walk at the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve invites participants to engage in deep listening and focused intention to ‘translate’ the natural environment of this Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Led by artist Róisín de Buitléar, the group of participants will be guided through the fragile native woodland to actively explore and identify the layers of this unique ecosystem, often described as a temperate rainforest.

She explains, “The core focus is using our senses to discover and document the site's rich biodiversity and the environmental issues that may threaten it. As the group learns and explores, we will make continuous, real-time recordings of ambient sounds around us”.

About Róisín de Buitléar:

Róisín de Buitléar is an artist, educator, and curator whose work draws on her cultural heritage, exploring the interplay of sound and light in exhibitions and performances. Her acclaimed glassworks feature internationally, with 2025 shows in Spain, Hungary, France, and Finland. She lectured for 18 years at NCAD Dublin and was the first artist-in-residence at the National Museum of Ireland (2018–2019). Major commissions include the National Children’s Hospital, Basilica of Knock, and Waterford Hospital. Awarded Bonham’s Special Mention at Venice Glass Week (2022), she recently worked with Hometree charity, using art to address climate action issues in Donegal.

How to Get There:

Glen of the Downs can be hard to find as it is located just off the N11 heading south before the Delgany exit (Exit 10). Once you pass the exit for Glenview (Exit 9) be on the lookout for the Glen of the Downs turnoff. The Glen is a 10-minute drive from Greystones, a 20-minute drive from Wicklow Town and a 20-minute drive from Bray.

Parking:

The car park for the Glen of the Downs walk is located right off the N11 (Link here on Google Maps). It’s a sharp turn just off the dual carriageway, so it’s very easy to miss.

About Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve

Managed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Reserve was once part of the 300 acre Bellevue Estate, the Glen of the Downs is situated between ancient Bronze Age Hillforts that were once the strongholds of Sitric Silkenbeard, the King of Dublin, and Uagaire, the King of Leinster.