For forest lovers, don’t miss the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, a protected forest park just a few kilometers from the village of Glengarriff in County Cork. Here, in this forest, stand some of Ireland’s oldest oak trees! It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature!
Looking for peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization? Don’t miss Glengarriff Forest, a gigantic 300-hectare playground where you can hike among trees several hundred years old!
The forest is located in a sheltered valley and consists mainly of oaks, but also includes ferns and subtropical plants. Don’t be surprised: although these lush plants may seem surprising, they’re the result of the proximity of the Gulf Stream, which brings a mild, humid climate here: the perfect place for plants from other latitudes to grow naturally!
There are many ways to explore Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve. Several trails are available for different levels. Here’s an overview of your possibilities.
A cool walk, perfect for discovering the forest. It will take you through centuries-old oak trees, for a stroll along the banks of the River Glengarriff. Be sure to admire the local flora and fauna, with its lichens, mosses and ferns. Not to mention freshwater pearl mussels, which live in the river’s waters.
This slightly more physical walk takes you through the woods along a steep path. You’ll need a bit of stamina, but your efforts will be rewarded with a superb panorama of Glengarriff, Garinish Island, Whiddy Island and Bantry Bay.
If you don’t feel like working up a sweat, then this hike will take you through an area of old meadows. Notorious fact: these meadows have never been ploughed by human hands.
That’s why these areas are teeming with wildflowers, towering oaks and anthills.
After crossing the meadow, you’ll walk along a wooded trail where Beech, Eucalyptus and Scots Pine grow side by side. Beyond the Scots pine lies a new lake that has been successfully created for the rare Downy Emerald dragonfly. Much of the area near the lake is lush with regenerating forests, which developed naturally after the area was cleared of conifer plantations.
Otherwise known as the High Walk, this trail climbs up through the woods, in a lush setting, where the birds accompany you all the way!
The path guides you to the top, offering fantastic views of the trees and mountains beyond.
Note that this hike can easily be combined with the Waterfall Walk (see below).
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve boasts an impressive waterfall that’s easy to explore on foot. Take this family-friendly stroll to a lovely waterfall.
Don’t hesitate to go and admire it after a rainy night: the waterfall is then majestic!
Its source is the Canrooska River, which flows to join the main Glengarriff River.
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is a protected forest park. We therefore ask you to remain vigilant in protecting the site. We therefore request :
Adresse :
GPS :
Opening hours :
every day
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