Yesterday found myself and a couple of friends in Raheens Wood near Castlebar in Co. Mayo. Officially opened by the Taoiseasch on March 3rd of this year it is a collaboration between Coillte and Mayo County Council under the Neighbourwood project.
Lovely to catch the Bluebells in their fading splendour.
This area has been woodland since the 1840s. Lots of coppiced Hazel here which are very accessible for nut collecting if theres a crop this year.
Lots of lovely old Oaks here too. Ash, Alder, Willow and Birch all contribute to make this a very pleasant woodland walk. It’s very civilised with proper paths and strategically placed seats and picnic tables.
Beautiful countryside views from the highest point in the woodland. That’s Lough Lannagh in the distance.
It’s at this spot where the Taoiseach planted a commerative Oak tree on the opening day. There’s also a picnic table and seats here. In retrospect it would have been a better picnic spot than the one we chose lower in the woods. We had to make a quick retreat from there as the midges were crazy.
In the distance one can see the now ruined Palladian mansion that would once have been the focal point of this area. As is often the case the trees are the more lasting living legacy from this era.
I love how this tree has been moulded by the wind and the lie of the land…
so much more fitting into the landscape than this monstrocity to some long dead person of importance.
Remember folks next Sunday, June 9th, is National Walk in the Woods Day. It is the Irish people’s chance to let the Government know that “OUR FORESTS ARE NOT FOR SALE.” To find out more about the day and a walk near you go to http://www.bardsinthewoods.com.
fromacountrycottage 
I love walking in woods.
Lovely photos – thanks for sharing your walk! I love the idea of a neighbourwood project too, anything to encourage people to get out there and appreciate the natural habitats they have locally has to be good.
Oh a lovely walk is so good for the mind and body….Michelle
Beautiful spot. We recently moved and now have a few acres of our own to enjoy. Nothing makes me happier than stepping back in there, especially on a blistering hot day. Thanks for sharing.
When I was a child my Dad took me on nature walks, I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature at a young age.Perhaps making inviting areas with picnic tables etc will entice and encourage people (who may not normally spend time outdoors) to see what nature has on offer.
Jane x
Ireland has some real natural beauties to visit! i hope a lot of people will join that walk in the woods.
I’ve planted some hazels in the woodland garden that I’d like to keep coppiced and underplanted with spring bulbs, just like your first picture, if only they would start growing…
I adore bluebells. Ours are long since vanished back into the earth, so it’s nice to see them in your beautiful photo! Thanks for sharing as always.
Can you read and speak Celtic? What’s that Palladian mansion for? Was it from ancient time, middle ages? Lovely forest. They bring vigor and joy to life.
I have forgotten most of my Irish which is, I presume, what you mean by Celtic. It’s the old adage I suppose “If you don’t use you’ll lose it.” The Mansion was home to an English family who had about 1000 acres of land around it. It was built in the 1700s.
I agree that the tree in the field is more special than anything….
How beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Dana