Wicklow's Woodlands - Guide to Open Forests

List of Forests

 

AVONDALE HOUSE

PARNELL MUSEUM, FOREST PARK AND ARBORETUM

CONFERENCE AND TRAINING CENTRES

Pairc Fhoraoise Avondale

Location:    3.5 km south of Rathdrum on the R752 to Arklow - on the left hand side of the road.

Habitat:   The park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore River.  In its miles of roads and woodland paths it offers endless variety to the walker and its scenery ranges from the magnificent openness of the Great Ride to the towering impressiveness of the massed conifers on the bands of Avonmore.

Length/Type of Trials:    There are three planned walks - the Pine Trial which is a gentle walk suitable for the less engergetic; and Exotic Tree Trial whcih is signposted throughtout, and the 6.5 km River Walk which can be quiet steep in places.

Mail Tree Species:    Trees on the River Walk include the giant eucalyptus, beech, elm, hornbeam, Norway spruce, Serbian spruce from the high mountian regions of Yugoslavia, European oak, Western red cedar, Californian redwood, monkey puzzle, cedar and giant silver fir which is over 200 years old and stands 43m hight.  The Pine Walk has Spanish chestnut, larch, juniper, the drooping Nootka cypress, Scots pine and Japanese cedar.

Fauna:    Avondale is home to most of our common woodland animals - red squirrel, the shy badger, the nocturnal hedgehog, the stoat and the fox.  One might be fortunate enought to encounter the otter, or occasinally the hard.  The rabbit is also a familiar sight.  As might be expected of its deciduous/conifer mix,  Avondale is rich in bird-life and more than ninety species have been recorded here.  Deer can be seen in the enclosure of the entrance.

History:    Avondale House was built in 1779 by Samuel Hayes who represented Wicklow in the Irish House of Commons and who, in 1788, presented a Bill to the Parliament entitled An Act for encouraging the cultivation and better preservation of trees.  He wrote the first book on planting in Ireland. A Treatise on Planting, published in 1794, and the oldest trees still surviving on the estate were planted by him.  When he died in 1775 Avondale was passed on to the Parnell family and remained in its posession until the estate was sold by John Howard Parnell, brother of Charles Steward, following the death of the latter in 1891.  When the estate was acquired in 1904, a plan for the planting of a series of experimental plots embracing a wide range of tree species,  mostly exotic, was made by the then Director of Foestry in Ireland, A.C. Forbes in co-operation with Prof. Augustine Henry.  The performance of  these plots has been and still is of fundamental importance to the silvicultural practices in this cournty and the plots, generally one acre in extent,were for the most part laid out on the lines of a continental forest garden.  Avondale House itself was used as a training school for foresters.  A stone cairn is situated near to the River Walk which also passes by an old sawmill at the far end of the estate.

Facilities:    The car park and picnic area are located near to the entrance, across the road from a duck pond and beside toilet facilities.   The house is open daily (except Christmas Day) with a guide in attendance to conduct visitors around the rooms which contain furniture and other articles  associated with Parnell and his period.  An audio-visual show is also included on the tour.   There is a coffee shop in the basement of the house together with a craft shop.  A booklet with more information on Avondale can be purchased at the shop.  Avondale offers a most unique venue for a training course or conference and is only 1 hour from Dublin.  Facilities at Avondale include: conference hall (max.100 people); full audio-visual and overhead projection facilities; training room (max. 20 people) residential accommodation for 22 people (22 rooms); restaurant facilities for 100 people. (Tel: +353 (0)404 46111.

 

Site Name:    AVOCA   Abhoca

Location:    3 km south of Avoca on R752 to Arklow.

Geology:    Ordovician shales with intrusion of volcanic rocks north of Avoca village.

Length of Trial:    3 km.

Habitat:    There are large mounds of brownish copper coloured soil between Avoca and Woodenbridge which are evidence of mining in the area.

Main Tree Species:    Mixed species of broadleaves and conifers all around the car park area including Douglas fir, European larch, Scots pine, beech and oak.  The oak is over 100 years old.

Other Flora:    Broom, gorse and heater create a profusion of colour here in summer and autumn.

Fauna:   Fox, rabbit, squirrel and badger.

History:    The Avoca area has been associated with its famous copper mines for many years and the valley has been immortalised by Thomas Moore in the famous song "Sweet Vale of Avoca".

Facilities:    Forest walks, scenic views and fishing.

 

Site Name:    BALLINAFUNSHOGE  Baile na Fuinseoige

Location:    13 km north west of Rathdrum on 3rd class road to Glenmalure.

Geology:    Ordocician granite outcrop.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     The valley is typical of a glacial valley with the Avonbeg river starting at Table Mountain and flowing east to join the Avonmore at the Meetings of the Waters.

Main Tree Species:    Many species grow in the immediate area such as Sitka spruce, Japanese larch, European larch, Scots pine and lodge pole pine, Oak, beech, holly, rowan, birch and ash grow naturally.

Other Flora:    Furze, heather and grass.

Fauna:   Sika deer, hares, foxes, badgers, squirrels and the main species of wildlife in the woodland area with red deer on the open hilltops.

History:    Lead mines once existed in this district.   The main path to the summit of Lugnaquilla starts from the valley floor.

Facilities:    Forest walks, picnic site and wilderness trek via Mullacor Mountain to Glendalough.

 

Site Name:    BALLINAMONA  Baile na Mona.

Location:    11 km north west of Arklow on R747 to Aughrim.

Geology:   Ordovician

Length of Trial:    3 km

Habitat:     Close by is the Aughrim River which is renowned for its trout fishing. There is also a commercially run fish farm in the area.

Main Tree Species:    Sitka spruce, oak,ash, grand fir, Norway spruce and birch.  The trees were planted in the late 1930's with the exception of the oak which dates from 1820.

Fauna:    Various species of woodland animals are present including the fox, rabbit badger and hare.  Various species of birds can also be found here.  

History:    The old Irish name Baile na Mona suggests 'The Town of the Turf', but there is little evidence of peat in the area.

Facilities:    Car park, forest walks and picnic sites.

 

Site Name:    BARAVORE  Ath an Bharra Mhoir.

Location:    8 km south west of Laragh on 3rd class road (Military Road) to Rathdangan.   Turn right for 6.2km on 3rd classs road to Glenmalure.

Geology:   Ordocician/Granite.  Lead mining was a big industry here in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     The valley was formed by glaciation.

Main Tree Species:    Mainly conifers, including Norway spruce, Sitka spruce, lodge pole pine and japanese larch though in      the immediate area one finds oak, beech, holly, rowan and birch growing naturally.

Other Flora:    A thick covering of heather, bramble, grass and bracken are found here.   

Fauna:   There is a good variety of wildlife including such species as the fox, rabit, sika deer, badger, hare and red squirrel.

History:    Glenmalure is one of the most featured valleys in Wicklow. Fierce battles took place here between the O'Byrnes and the British.  In the 1798 rebellion Michael O'Dwyer and his men hid out in the area.

Facilities:     Forest walks, viewing points and youth hostel.  WARNING:   There is a firing range at the Glen of Imaal.

 

Site Name:    BALLINASTOE  Baile na Stua

Location:    10 km south of Enniskerry on 3rd class road (old Long Hill Road) to Roundwood.

Geology:   Ordovician/Granite.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     Suitated on the slopes of Djouce mountian, the top of which is marked by an ordinance survey pillar.  The Vartry reservoir can be viewed from this location.

Main Tree Species:    The forest consists of Sitka spruce, Scots pine and Jananese larch with a scattered understorey of beech planted in very recent times.

Other Flora:    Heather and bracken form the main ground cover.

Fauna:   One may come upon the fox, badger, red squirrel and sika deer.  Many species of birds are also to be seen and include duck and grouse.

Facilities:    Car park, forest walks and picnic site.

 

Site Name:    BALLYMOYLE HILL  Baile an Mhaoil

Location:    3.2 km north of Arklow on N11 to Wicklow.   Turn left for 1.5 km.

Geology:   The region is generally derived from ordocician shales, with intrusions of granite and schist rocks evident in this area.

Length of Trial:    6 km

Habitat:     The hill rises 240m above sea level with some breathtaking views of the coastline.

Main Tree Species:    Commercial forest site, main species include Sitka spruce, japanese larch, lodgepole pine and Douglas fir.  There are also small areas of oak, beech, poplar and ash.

Other Flora:    Grasses and furze.

Fauna:   Fox, rabbit, squirrel and badger.

History:    The area of Ballymoyle Wood covers 200 hectares.  

Facilities: Car park, forest walks, scenic view and picnic site.

 

Site Name:    BALLYGANNON  Baile na gCanonach

Location:   1 km north of Rathdrum on the R755 to Laragh.

Geology:   Ordovician

Length of Trial:    3 km

Habitat:     On the wooded slopes of the Avonmore River.

Main Tree Species:  Norway spruce, Scots pine, oak, beech, European larch and Lawson cyoress. 

Other Flora:    Bramble and grasses.

Fauna:   Wildlife abounds - the fox,badger, rabbit and hare can frequently be spotted.

Facilities: Car park, picnic site and river walks.

 

Site Name:    CLOON  Cluain

Location:   6.5 km west of Enniskerry on a 3rd class road to Glencree.

Geology:   The middle hill portion is cambrian rock. The lower area of Cloon is mainly alluvial flat.

Length of Trial:    5 km

Habitat:     Gorse and bracken flourish throughout the intermediate or hill pasture belt which lies 250m above sea level.  The remains of small farms, characterised by stone wall boundaries are a geasture of this area.

Main Tree Species:    Oak with a mixture of Japanese larch and birch.

Other Flora:    Gorse and bracken.

Fauna:   Badgers, foxes and red squirrels are very pleantiful.

History:      The name Cloon means a 'meadow in a clearing in the forest'.  It was part of Royal Oak Wood which was exploited for many purposes over the centuries.  In 1990 Coillte, in conjunction with Crann, commenced work to restore the great oak to the noble position it once held in Glencree valley.

Facilities:     Forest walks.

 

Site Name:    CRONE  Cron

Location:   5 km south west of Enniskerry on 3rd class road to Glencree on south side of Glencree River.

Geology:   Granite core covered by Mica Schist.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     The boundary between farmland and moorland in the valley has changed during the past 100 years through an intermediate of hill pasture belt which has gorse and bracken spread plentifully throughout it.

Main Tree Species:    Records show that as early at the 13th century the steep sides of Crone in the Glencree Valley were set aside as a Royal Oak Park.  During the ensuing centuries the value of the oak was recognised and the woodland exploited.  The replacement trees include Scots pine, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce and Corsican pine.

Other Flora: The underground in covered in heather and furze.  

Fauna:   Wild life in the Crone region generally centres around the presence of deer which abound in the area.  The fox and the rabbit are also present.

History:      Powerscourt Estate documents reveal that the name Crone was in use as far back as 1757 and may derive from Cruashne or hard ground.  This area became a hideout following the 1798 rebellion for bands of insurgents.

Facilities: Car park, forest walks and access to Djouce Woods.

 

 

 

Site Name:    DEVIL'S GLEN  An Gleann Mor

Location:   4km west of Ashford on 3rd class roads to Glendalough via Nun's Cross.

Geology:   Cambrian rock covered by thick glacial drift.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     The Len was cut out gradually bymelting water on the ice sheet.  The steep sides show evidence of a young valley.  This rock face has been colonised by various speciies of plant life : lichens, mosses, and the polypody fern.  The Vartry River runs through the gorge.

Main Tree Species:    From the access road to the car park the area is a mixture of broadleaf and conifer including some nice stands of beech, Spanish chestnut and ash. The walks are dominated by old beech scrub oak and Scots pine with underplanting of Norway spruce, Western hemlock and grand fir.

Other Flora:    A good variety of laurel, rhododendron, heather and lichens, can be found there.

Fauna:   The area is home to the fox, otter, badger and squirrel.

History:      The site was once part of the Glanmore estate, former ancestral home of John Millington Synge. The castle has since fallen into ruin but some of its features have recently been restored. Along the path you can see the privately owned Tottenham Estate on the far side of the Glen.

Facilities: Car Park, picnic sites and forest walks through a spectacular gorge to a waterfall.

 

 

Site Name:    DJOUCE WOODS     Coillte Dioghsa

Location:   5.5km south of Enniskerry on 3rd class road (old Long Hill Road) to Roundwood

Geology:   Ordovician. Quartz rock with brownish greenish on reddish grey grey slates and grits interstratified.

Length of Trial:    10 km

Habitat:     The area lies within the unbroken expanse of high and barren moorland which stretches from Dublin to the south-easterly borders of Co. Wicklow and rests on the periphery of what was once the Royal Oak forest of Glencree.

Main Tree Species:    The scattered giant oak which adorn part of the area may have descended, through natural regeneration from the Royal Forest. The adaptable Sitka spruce may be found throughout with lodgepole pine. Douglas fir and broadleaves such as oak, beech and Spanish chestnut occupy the more fertile areas.

Other Flora:    Strolling through the woods, heather, woodrush, woodsorrel, bilberry, sage and bracken are noted as the ground cover.

Fauna:   Wildlife abounds-one can find foxes, rabbits, deer and red squirrels in the area.

History:      Part of the Powerscourt Estate, formally owned by Sir Richard Wingfield, Viscount Powerscourt. Between 1830-1840 he had numerous roads and drives surveyed and constructed.

Facilities: Three car parks, forest and mountain walks, scenic views and a view of Powerscourt Waterfall.

 

 

Site Name:    GLENART  Gleann Airt

Location:   4km north west of Arklow on R747 to Woodenbridge.

Geology:   Ordovician

Length of Trial:    5 km

Habitat:     A narrow glen with a small stream flowing into the Avoca River

Main Tree Species:    There is a fine stand of Western hemlock around the car park. Other species include Sitka spruce, grand fir, beech, ash, oak, Lawson cypress, Scots pine and birch. The oak dates back to 1820.

Other Flora:    A multitude of cultivated rhododendron lines the drive from the gate lodge entrance to the picnic site which is spectacular in early summer.

Fauna:   Here you will find fox, rabbit, badger, stoat and hare.

History:      Once part of a large scale estate, the date of construction is cut out in stone on gate lodges and other edifices.

Facilities: Car park,  forest walks, rhododendron drive, viewing points and picnic site.

 

 

Site Name:    KINDLESTOWN  Baile an Chinligh

Location:   8 km south of Bray on N11 to Wexford. Turn left for 1.6km.

Geology:   The basic bedrock in the area is Cambrian shale. The rock outcrop at the viewing point is Wicklow granite.

Length of Trial:    3 km

Habitat:     The rock outcrop at the top (eastern) end of the wood is an excellent viewing point over the Irish sea with wonderful views of Greystones.

Main Tree Species:    In 1934 Scots pine and Sitka spruce were planted; Scots pine still remains. The mature Sitka has been felled and replaced by Douglas fir, larch, Monterey pine, beech, sessile oak and Corsican pine.

Other Flora:    Bramble, rose-bay and holly abound. Willow herb, with its purple blossoms is very prominent throughout June and July in the newly reforested areas.

Fauna:   The wood is inhabited by many bird species including woodcock and pheasant. There is also evidence of red squirrel, fox and badger.

History:      Kindlestown is called after Albert de Kinley who was sheriff in 1301. The wood formed part of the old Bellevue Estate, owned by the La Touche family until 1930.

Facilities: Car Park,  forest walks and viewing point.

 

 

Site Name:    LUGNAGROAGH  Lug na gCruach

Location:   7 km south of Blessington on N81 to Baltinglass. Turn left after Pollaphuca for 1.5 km.

Geology:   Ordovician

Length of Trial:    1 km

Main Tree Species:    Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, Scots pine, Japanese larch, beech and oak.

Other Flora:    Bramble and grass.

Fauna:  Fox, rabbit, deer, red squirrel, badger and pheasant.

Facilities: Forest walks, viewing points and picnic site.

 

 

 

Site Name:    MEETINGS WOOD  Avoca

Location:   5.5 km south of Rathdrum on R752 to Arklow.

Geology:   Ordovician shales with intrusion of volcanic rocks north of Avoca village.

Length of Trial:    2 km

Habitat:     The Avonmore and the Avonbeg rivers meet nearby.

Main Tree Species:    Mixed species of broadleaf and conifer can be found around the car park area; Douglas fir, grand fir, Western hemlock, noble fir, beech, oak, birch and larch.

Other Flora:    Woodbrush and bramble.

Fauna:   Wide variety of wildlife including fox, rabbit, red squirrel and badger. Varied bird life.

History:     There is a pub marking the spot where the waters meet nearby. In this area also you will see what remains of  'Thomas Moore' Tree' under which he is said to have written the song, Sweet Vale of Avoca.

Facilities: Forest walks, picnic site.

 

 

Site Name:    TROOPERSTOWN  Tigh an Tearmainn

Location:   1.5 km north east of Laragh on R755 to Roundwood. Turn right for 300 m on 3rd class road.

Geology:   Ordovician/Cambrian

Length of Trial:    6 km

Habitat:     A pleasant picnic site on the banks of the Avonmore River. The area is beside a newly erected bridge to replace the one carried off by 'Hurricane Charlie' in 1986.

Main Tree Species:    Norway spruce, Sitka spruce, Japanese larch and Scots pine.

Other Flora:    Bramble and furze.

Fauna:   Fox, rabbit, badger and pheasant.

History:      The townland is so named because it is said that British troops camped here during the 1798 rebellion.

Facilities: Access to the river. Canoeing and fishing, forest walks and picnic site.