Wicklow is the heartland of Irish deer stalking — four outfitters, three species, open mountain and forestry ground, and 40 minutes from Dublin Airport. If you're planning one deer-stalking trip to Ireland, Wicklow is where most visiting hunters start.
County Wicklow's combination of upland mountain, mixed forestry and open bog produces some of the highest wild deer densities on the island. Sika deer were first introduced to Ireland at Powerscourt Estate in 1860 — just outside Enniskerry — and the Wicklow uplands have been their stronghold ever since. Today, the county holds the most active deer stalking outfitter community in Ireland, with more than half the country's commercial stalking operations running Wicklow permissions.
The practical case is just as strong: Dublin Airport to the Wicklow mountains is 40–50 minutes by car. You can land Sunday evening, stalk Monday dawn, and be back for a Thursday flight. No internal connections, no overnight drives. That accessibility is why Wicklow consistently tops the list for visiting hunters from the UK, US, and mainland Europe.
Three deer species roam Wicklow's uplands, making it one of the most diverse counties for multi-species packages.
Sika deer are the main target. Wild, free-range, and challenging to stalk on open mountain ground — Wicklow Sika are not paddock deer. The rut runs from late September through October and is widely regarded as the highlight of the Irish stalking calendar. Stag season runs August 1st – April 30th; hind season November 1st – March 31st.
Red deer are less widespread in Wicklow than Kerry but present on some ground, particularly in mixed populations with Sika. The two species can interbreed, and so-called "hybrid Sika" — with Red deer genetics — occur on some Wicklow permissions. These carry heavier bodies and larger antlers than pure Sika.
Fallow deer are found in more wooded and lowland sections of the county. Fallow stalking is available through Fallow Hunts, whose Wicklow permissions target these distinctive palmate-antlered animals. Buck season runs September 1st – December 31st.
Four outfitters hold active permissions in County Wicklow. All are listed on the full directory; the Wicklow-based operations are below.
Ireland's longest-established stalking outfitter with over 30 years of placing visiting hunters into Wicklow. Celtic Field Sports runs Broomfield Lodge — purpose-built hunting accommodation — which means accommodation and stalking are in the same arrangement, no organising two separate things. Multi-day packages available, and they also offer mixed Ireland/UK/Europe itineraries for hunters wanting to combine destinations.
Norman Mulvany is one of the best-known names in Irish Sika stalking. IrishSafaris specialises in free-range Sika and hybrid Sika on Wicklow uplands — not managed estates, wild mountain ground. The 4-day package at €2,600 ex VAT is one of the most transparently priced packages on the Irish market. Group hind stalking packages are also offered, which suits visiting hunters who want to fill a cull quota alongside a trophy stalk.
Fallow Hunts is the standout option for hunters after Fallow bucks specifically. They also hold Red and Sika permissions in the Wicklow/Midlands area, and are one of the only Irish outfitters offering mountain goat as a separate species. Emphasis on ethical, low-disturbance hunting — this is not a numbers-driven operation.
Glenmalure is one of the most dramatic glacial valleys in Ireland — remote, quiet, and genuinely wild. The Nolan family has managed the deer population in this area for three generations and holds one of the largest single free-range permissions in the country at 25,000 acres. If you want genuine wilderness stalking in Wicklow rather than farm-adjacent ground, Glacial Valley is the pick.
Getting there: Dublin Airport to the Wicklow mountains is 40–60 minutes depending on traffic and destination. A hire car is strongly recommended — most stalking grounds are off the main roads and the options for rural transport are limited. Wicklow town, Blessington, Aughrim, and Rathdrum are the main accommodation hubs if your outfitter doesn't include lodging.
Terrain: Wicklow stalking ranges from open mountain and bog (challenging, high-visibility, long-range) to dense Coillte forestry (close-range, shot opportunities come fast). Which terrain depends on your outfitter's permission. Ask before booking.
Best months: August for the start of Sika stag season, September–October for the rut (vocal, actively moving), November–January for hind culling. Fallow bucks are best September–November before they drop antlers. See the full deer seasons guide.
Firearms: Most visiting hunters use the outfitter's rifle. If you want to bring your own, see the visitor firearms guide for the advance paperwork required.
Tell us species, dates and party size. We'll match you to the right Wicklow outfitter and make the introduction. No fee.