4 Forests to Explore in Connacht

Checkout places to visit in Connacht

Connacht

Connacht is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the west of Ireland. Until the ninth century it consisted of several independent major Gaelic kingdoms. Its eastern boundary is the middle course of the River Shannon. Connaught is the poorest part of the Irish republic and comprises the modern counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway, and Roscommon.

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Forests to Explore in Connacht

Derryclare

Derryclare, is the 119th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 145th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. This is a popular viewpoint for visitors to the area and a great place for photo opportunities. The Derryclare Lough on its southern slopes is a scenic location in Connemara, while the Derryclare Wood, on its eastern slopes, contains a Statutory Nature Reserve.

Gortarowey Forest Recreation Area

The Gartarowey Forest Recreation Area is located to the north of Sligo Town in Ireland. It is under the management of Coiltte Outdoors, and covers a forested area of 120 hectares. Containing unique species of conifers and broadleaves, amongst other exotic flora and fauna, the area is under conservation. The park lies adjacent to the Benbulben, Gleniff and Glenade Special Area of Conservation and is known as the only area in Ireland where chickweed willowherb and alpine saxifrage can be found.

Hazelwood Forest

Hazelwood is an ancient area of woodland located just over 2 miles outside the town of Sligo in northwest Ireland. It has a series of outdoor sculptures by Irish and International artists. It has a picnic area and spectular lakeside views. It’s a walkers paradise as there is several hikes of about 3 kilometres each along the edge of Lough Gill.

Portumna Forest Park

A majestic forest park which covers almost 600 hectares. It is mainly coniferous but also contains a wide variety of broadleaved trees, both native and exotic. There is an old abbey, now under the care of the Office of Public Works, within the Park which dates back to the 15th century. The castle nearby, on which considerable restoration work has been carried out by the OPW, dates back to the 17th century and was the seat of the Earl of Clanrickarde.

Map of Forests to explore in Connacht