Choose Ireland » Woods and Forests

Knockmany Forest

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:53:24 +0000

This forest includes a hilltop passage tomb, located deep in the forest north of Augher. It is topped by extraordinary decorated stones said to mark the grave of Queen Aine, who ruled during the second century.
The stones are inscribed with megalithic designs that are considered among the finest from this period located in all of Ulster. To reach the tomb, visitors must climb a steep path 1-¼ miles long, that winds its way from the upper parking area.
Below the hilltop monument, in another part of Knockmany Forest lies Ardushin Lough, which can be enjoyed to the fullest by following the 1-½ mile long lakeside path that proceeds through a striking group of mature Douglas Fir trees that are more than 80 years old.

Lumford’s Glen

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:50:44 +0000

For those who enjoy spending time in the peaceful beauty of the untouched forest, County Tyrone has much to offer. One of its many such attractions can be found at Lumfords Glen, site of a woodland walk located near the village of Knockmany.
Some very old and beautiful oak and beech trees that stand out among the rest of the forest grace the summit of the glen.
As nature walkers travel further into the glen, they are greeted by the majesty of an isolated waterfall, which grows in power during exceptionally rainy periods of weather.
The area is featured in a Celtic Fairy Tale about the Giant’s Causeway, Finn Mc Cool and the giant Cucullin, who created Lumford’s Glen in an effort to unearth a spring of water.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:49:11 +0000

Located on the western fringe of the scenic Sperrin Mountains, the trees at Gortin Glen Forest Park were planted with the purpose of producing coniferous trees for lumber. The on site tree farm distinguishes Gortin Glen from other facilities of its kind.
The park is one of a few in Ireland that maintains a drive through tour; a five mile long paved road through many breathtaking views. There are several stopping areas where tourists can relax, enjoy the scenery and take photographs. The walking trail is posted with explanations of various sites along the path. Picnic areas are scattered through the forest at various points, and there are footpaths that twist and turn, leading visitors to some surprisingly beautiful locations.
Plant species include Sitka Spruce trees, purple bell heather, pink blossomed cross-leaf heather, and ling heather. Sitka deer also populate the area. The named paths include Nature Trail, Lady’s View Trail, and Gortin Burn Walk, a portion of which is connected to Ulster Way.
At the entrance to the walking portion of the park, there is an indoor exhibition centre and a few enclosures where visitors can observe wildlife at close range.
Gortin Glen Forest Park also maintains a play area for the enjoyment of the children as well as a souvenir shop for children of all ages.

Dundrum Plantarum

Brian — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:55:09 +0000

This popular attraction encompasses eight acres of plants, including a two-mile long walk through land covered in beautiful trees and shrubs. There are more than 60,000 individual plants at Dundrum Plantarum, of 2000 different varieties – some of them extremely rare.
The grounds are attractively accented with Celtic themed structures and sculptures that include dolmens, crannogs and fairy forts. Water displays are also featured, such as waterfalls and lakes stocked with decorative species of fish.
The plantarum is located near historic Dundrum Village and is inhabited by large numbers of birds and native wildlife. There is also a garden centre on the premises.

Mauherslieve

Brian — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:53:22 +0000

Located in North Tipperary, the name Mauherslieve means Mother Mountain. On its welcome sign, the nearby village of Rearcross proclaims itself to be the land of ancient tombs, beautiful scenery and deer sanctuary.
The surrounding group of mountains is known as the Slieve Felims, the highest of which is Callaun Hill at 426m. There are some 20 tombs and cairns located at the tops of the mountains here, and the views, even after a long climb, are exceptionally beautiful. There is also plenty of undisturbed forestland to serve as a habitat for the deer

The Suck Valley Way

Brian — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:42:39 +0000

This oval shaped walking trail travels through the western part of County Roscommon as well as eastern portions of Galway. It also comprises part of the O’Sullivan Beara Trail.
Walkers can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Irish countryside while following this trail as it passes through forest, field and bog land along the shores of the River Suck and past lakes and streams.
Suck Valley Way also includes numerous sites of archaeological significance, along with villages of friendly townsfolk and a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The Silver River Geological Reserve

Brian — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:41:32 +0000

The landscape formations of Silver River Gorge at Cadamstown were formed by the sea and rivers millions of years ago. The name of the river in Gaelic was Abha Airgid, which translates as “the Money River”. It was named from the silver particles that appear downstream from the limestone rock near its source.
The area is relatively untouched, and visited mostly by students of geology and botany who come to study the rock formations and rich variety of rare plant life.
The Silver River Nature Trail begins at Cadamstown. Parking and picnic facilities are provided for hikers and those who merely want to enjoy the secluded beauty of the reserve.

Charleville Forest Castle

Brian — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:31:27 +0000

Located near the town of Tullamore, Charleville Castle is nestled among the huge and ancient oak trees that were once held sacred by the Druids. The building site was originally home to the Lynally monastic community, which existed as a part of the Durrow settlement.
By the 1500s, the site was no longer ecclesiastical in nature, but used as a plantation settlement for the Moores. This thickly wooded acreage at the very centre of Ireland has been occupied through generational succession until the late 19th century.
The castle itself, Ireland’s premier example of Gothic Revival architecture, was a work in progress from 1798 until it was completed in 1812. It was designed and erected in the style of a “tin soldier fortress” partly to commemorate Cornwallis’s victory over French revolutionary forces that had made their way into the Irish midlands.
From 1912 until 1971, the unoccupied castle fell victim to the ravages of time. The years that followed the war for independence and the accompanying economic difficulties reduced the structure to a nearly roofless, ruined condition by 1968. The restoration and renovation work that was begun in 1971 by Michael Mc Mullin continued under the supervision of Constance Heavey Seaquist and Bonnie Vance.
The castle is open to the public and is currently funded by a charitable trust under the direction of Dudley Stuart. It occupies 30 acres of land that includes gardens as well as densely wooded areas. The castle building was designed by Francis Johnston, and Charles Bury was the original owner. Johnston was responsible for several classic Georgian buildings in Dublin, including the General Post Office.
The exterior of the building is dominated by stately turrets and a flag tower, and features many mullioned windows. A large window located above the main entrance is the focal point of the façade. Inside, the rooms are gigantic, including the dining room designed by William Morris that still bears its original stenciled wallpaper. The estate also includes a small outbuilding that resembles a gothic chapel and actually houses the kitchen and storage area. The stable yard is located just beyond this building.
Lord Byron visited Charleville Forest Castle often and it is said that he held many parties here.
The castle grounds are now the object of a massive restoration project that, when finished, will clear the area of overgrowth, discern the original plantings from the old English flower garden, and design and build new garden and relaxation areas for visitors. Volunteers are on hand to do this work from UK, France, the USA and Canada. They also assist in the regular maintenance of the property.
The house and the surrounding grounds are said to be haunted by Druids and past occupants of the castle. It has been featured on several television programmes, including Most Haunted and Scariest Places on Earth.
The huge staircase is reportedly visited often by the ghost of a young girl named Harriet, who was killed accidentally while sliding down the balustrade. Visitors have felt the chill of her presence while climbing the stairs, and have seen her ghostly figure skipping past. Sometimes, she is seen in the company of a small boy.
Another haunting, reported by Bonnie Vance, included an early morning visitation of the ghosts of Charles Bury and Francis Johnston, accompanied by a large group of Druids. They appeared to be invoking a blessing upon Bonnie as she lay in her bed. Also, disembodied voices of two men have been heard as they spent the evening drinking at the castle, as well as children’s voices and shrieks in the empty playroom.
Many of the visitors that arrive are paranormal experts, investigating the reports of various hauntings. People also come to attend a diverse range of events that includes plays, shows and auctions.
Many ancient oak trees line the driveway. One of the largest is referred to as “King Oak”. Legend says that a member of the Charleville family has died every time the tree lost a branch to weather or old age. Colonel Charles Howard Bury died in May of 1963 – two weeks after the tree was nearly destroyed by a lightning strike.

Carnagh Forest

Brian — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:19:08 +0000

Known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful forest and nature areas, Carnagh Forest Park features walking trails framed by a wide selection of tree species – both deciduous and coniferous. Adjacent lakes are populated with plenty of perch and trout, and the nature reserve is home to many extraordinary birds and insects.

Hilton Park

Brian — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:17:45 +0000

The estate at Hilton Park has been the site of a grand house ever since the early 1600’s. Originally named Kilshanless, it was also called Maddenton before it was christened as Hilton Park in the late 18th century.
A fire in 1803, started by a servant, destroyed the original structure along with the renovated portion added by Samuel Madden in 1734. His entire collection of art and archival materials was also lost to the flames.
The house was rebuilt over a period of years, while the family lived in an apartment over the stable. In the 1870’s, it was redesigned and remodeled by John Madden and William Hague, a famous designer of Roman Catholic churches and cathedrals. Together, they worked to achieve an effect that resembled the Italian palazzo. The new design featured an ornate staircase, as well as new halls, a gallery, and an exquisite ballroom. The entire basement was excavated more deeply to accommodate the new ground floor of the building.
Perhaps because of the landlord tenant problems during this time period, fortification features were also added to the renovation of Hilton Park. Steel shutters and doors were added to protect the landowner and his family within.
The house at Hilton Park today looks very much the same. Modern conveniences such as electricity and central heating have been added. Some of the huge rooms have been divided into smaller ones. Period furnishings are abundant throughout, including a magnificent Erard concert grand piano that is said to have once been played by Chopin. The views are spectacular from the grounds, and the many luxurious bedrooms are occupied by a constant flow of guests.
Today, Hilton Park is operated by Johnny and Lucy Madden, of the eighth generation of Maddens to live at the estate, which encompasses 500 acres of forests, parklands and lakes. At the house, guests enjoy lodging and meals in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.