The setting of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve in County Cork is spectacular, with the woods nestled in the sheltered glen opening out into Glengarriff Harbour.
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve covers some 300ha, with the dominant habitats being old oak woodland. Young woodland is also regenerating in areas which have been cleared of non-native conifers over the last few years. The woods form one of the best examples of oceanic sessile oak woodland in Ireland.
At one time the woods were part of Lord Bantry’s estate, but they were handed over to the State in 1955 for forestry purposes. However in 1991, the woods were designated as a Nature Reserve and the woodland is now owned and managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service primarily for conservation and amenity purposes.
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve has a range of woodland trails. Leaflets are available from a box in the carpark. Admission to the Nature Reserve is free and the Reserve is open every day throughout the year.
Take the ferry to the wonderful Garnish Island Garden and see the seals on Seal Island on the way.
