Nature spot · County Cork
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve
Glengarriff Woods are situated in a deep rough glacial valley which opens out into the north side of Bantry Bay near Glengarriff village, County Cork. Above the woods rise the Caha Mountains, with their dramatic layers of sheer rock.
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.
Outdoors in County Cork this week
Best day outdoors: Sat, 10 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Sun with light cloud
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct15° / 14°Light rain
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 2.1 km awayGlengarriff Bamboo ParkGardenGlengarriff Bamboo Park is an exotic garden of the South West, with 30 different varieties of bamboo combined with palm trees and other tropical plants. The park sits overlooking Glengarriff Harbour in County Cork.
Nature spot · 2.6 km awayIllnacullin - Garinish IslandGardenGarinish IslandUnlock your inner plant lover by visiting Garinish Island (Illnacullin) in West Cork.
Nature spot · 8.1 km awayFaoideWhiddy IslandIslandWhiddy IslandGet lost in the incredible floral haven that calls Whiddy Island in County Cork home.