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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Favourite places : : Mullaghmeen Forest

(More pictures available in my Irelands Eye folder)

"Mullaghmeen is an isolated area of forest rising above the farm land of north Westmeath. Mullaghmeen Forest is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland. Along with beech, within its 400 ha of forest it also has Sitka spruce, Scots pine and noble fir and a very interesting native tree collection. This is well worth a stop on the Mullaghmeen Summit Trail / Red Trail. The summit of Mullaghmeen provides magnificent views north across Lough Sheelin and into the neighbouring county of Cavan.

The forest, once an out farm belonging to a Lord Gradwell, has many examples of mans former impacts on the landscape. Following the White Trail one passes sad reminders of famine times with relic walls of famine fields. A Booley Hut, a summer grazing shelter is just off the Red Walk / Mullaghmeen Summit Trail, while the Flax Pits show that this important crop for the linen industry was once harvested and cured in this area.

The underlying Geology is Limestone Rock and in the south eastern corner more of its geology is revealed where one can see turloughs – disappearing lakes that fill and empty with no apparent in or outflow.

Come in spring for the best displays of woodland flowers notably bluebells. The area is populated with grey squirrels, jays, badgers, foxes, pheasant, rabbit & hares as well as a large selection of song birds. "

5 comments:

All things nice... said...

Oh sounds lovely, you have lovely views of my homeland County Cavan :) The forest must be located near Oldcastle? That's a lovely part of the countryside, I love Fore and Tullynally Castle. Must visit Loughcrew some day too.

All things nice...

TanyaMac said...

You are right on the money All things nice!

I haven't spent much time in Tullynally Castle but I ADORE Fore Abbey and Loughcrew is only 5 mins up the road from me so if you ever do drop down this way let me know! :)

All things nice... said...

Would you believe I was over that way on Wednesday went through Ballinlough and then on to Dromone. Such lovely landscape and heritage over there. My job is in County Meath so I cover all of the the county expect for the Navan town area and the Gaeltacht.

All things nice...

TanyaMac said...

Well then... you more than likely passed my house! I live in Ballinlough! tis a small world we live in! ;D

All things nice... said...

Oh that's a really lovely village, there were two wee lambs on the footpath near the school I was afraid they would get hit with a car. I love the old school building in the village, the water pump and all the lovely flowers. Such a pretty place. Pity the traffic wouldnt slow down abit more though. Enjoy your weekend.

All things nice...