Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve

Set along the base of the Caha Mountains outside the village of Glengarriff in West Cork, Glengarriff Woods are a lush and fertile landscape owing largely to its sheltered position in the midst of a glacially deepened valley. Covering some 750 acres its one of the best examples of oak woodland in Ireland, being rated second only in importance to the Killarney oakwoods. The area's natural diversity is further enhanced by the fast flowing stony bottomed Glengarriff River and its tributaries, the Coomarkane and Canrooska Rivers, all flowing through the site. Glengarriff Woods are part of the much larger Glengarriff Harbour & Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

At one time the woods were part of Lord Bantry’s estate, Glengarriff Woods were handed over to the State in 1955 and designated as a Nature Reserve in 1991. The name Glengarriff is derived from the Irish Gleann Gairbh which translates as the rough or rugged glen. The setting of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is spectacular, with the woods nestled in the sheltered glen opening out into Glengarriff Harbour. Above the woods rise the Caha Mountains, with their dramatic layers of sheer rock.

A variety of trails are provided in the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve to suit a range of abilities. The Nature Reserve’s main car park is the starting point for all the walks. You can take a gentle amble along the River Walk or make the steep, but rewarding climb up to Lady Bantry’s Lookout. Longer options include the Big Meadow circuit, whi ch takes you through woodlands and old grassland, or the more rugged Esknamucky Trail, with its wonderful views out over the trees to the mountains beyond.

Glengarriff Woods contain a variety of notable wildlife species, including otter, pine martens, stoats, fox, badger, Sika deer, feral goats, hare, hedgehog, wood mouse and bank voles. Glengarriff Woods also supports abundant bird communities, like the willow warblers and chiffchaffs who arrive from Africa in springtime to breed in the woods and blackcaps, with populations of summer migrants as well as some who over-winter. At dusk look out for the deceptively slow flight of a long-eared owl that nests in the Scot’s pine. You might also see the ghostly white shape of a barn owl searching for bank voles.

This abundance of wildlife is due to the diversity of habitat types found on the site, including: oak woodland, open pasture known as the Big Meadow, and blanket bogs, with peat reaching a depth of several metres in places, and river habitat, supporting trout and seasonal populations salmon.

If You Go:
The entrance to Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is located approximately 1km from Glengarriiff on the Kenmare Road (N17). Admission to the Nature Reserve is free and the Reserve is open every day throughout the year. There are two full-colour leaflets with information about Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve and walking routes, available from the Tourist Offices in Glengarriff or from a leaflet box at the Nature Reserve Car Park. There are no toilet facilities. All walks require strong shoes, with walking boots recommended for the Esknamucky Walk and Lady Bantry’s Lookout.