My last visit to St. John’s Wood was about 14 years ago. The addition of gravel paths since then has greatly improved the access to this woodland which is said to be the oldest in the country. Pollen tests have shown that a wood existed here over 7,000 years ago.
A bit more signage would make this lovely woodland perfect. There is a bothy here…which is a place where charcoal was made…also some of the last surviving Elm trees…we didn’t find those either.
Don’t know what this is all about but it looks interesting. Maybe its just someone’s artwork…
After some scrambling about in the undergrowth we managed to find the path to the shore of Lough Ree. Two beautiful crannogs greeted us here. Crannogs are ancient man made lake dwellings.
Lots of lovely interesting rocks here…the locals call them moon rocks.
Don’t know what causes them to be so pitted. Lots of fossils in the stones…
and one pyramid shaped stone.
As evening approached it was time to head for home back through the woods to the carpark where we shared a picnic before disbanding.
Spotted this lovely old Rose in a hedgerow on the way out. There is the remains of an old cottage here so this is probably a survivor from a once loved cottage garden. The scent is heavenly. I’m going to try and grow this on.
We stopped near Knockcroghery to snap this fabulous Beech hedge. It’s one of the landmarks I watch for on my journeys back from Tipperary. It’s always well tended…
while the lovely cottage behind is running to deriliction. I’ve yet to see anyone trimming the hedge but I always wonder who does it. They are certainly committed to their task.
fromacountrycottage 
Looks like a real interesting place. Did you arrange this trip with friends or was it a local group you joined? Curious!
It was organised by John Willmott as part of the Woodlands, Bards and Picnics around Ireland group. Andy and I have been members for over a year now. Actually it was set up just over a year ago. Check it out on FB.
looks like you had wonderful walk. I should be back in Ireland Ausust/sept I will definately try do that walk while I am home, perhaps i will be able to join you on one of your walks
Great! You would be more than welcome.
I’d love to get my hands on that cottage and fix it up! That rose is gorgeous.
Yes there’s something very appealing about that cottage. I hoping to propogate that Rose. The scent is just lovely.
Yes, I agree that signage is always helpful!
So much work has gone into the place just that little extra would be so helpful.
Such a lovely place–thanks for taking us along with you on the walk!
Glad you enjoyed it. It was a lovely day for it too.
That rose looks very similar to the one we have growing here (photo on my blog) I took cuttings last year and will be doing more this year you are welcome to cuttings, I think I did them last Aug. maybe meet up at the farmers market sometime. Also found a beautiful white rambling Moss rose yesterday on a derelict cottage wall, will be going back to take cuttings from that one.
Oooh yes please. Do you go to Boyle Farmers Market? could meet up there. Love these old roses…beautiful scents. That white Rose sounds lovely. I think we are of a similar mindset.
I believe the “unknown” photo you depicted is a dried up hedge row?
Which unknown photo are you talking about? The pic of the Beech hedge was taken on Sunday last so definitely not dried up.
Yes, we go the farmers market most weeks even if we don’t need anything we manage to find something to buy and that is money that does not find it’s way to the multi nationals. Just let me know when you would like the cuttings, hard or soft wood ones and I will get them done for you. Have looked at the little pots I did last year, six cutting and six have taken but cant remember when I did them.
Thanks Anne! Will probably pop in next Saturday if you are about then. Six out of six is fab. I suppose cuttings taken now would be semi-hard cuttings?
What a lovely place to visit — so much to see. Ah! I would love to have that cottage and look after it. It must be damn costly?
I reckon it would be a pretty penny alright.
Gorgeous walk. The rocks look like sponge or coral. I wonder. . . .
They do indeed…I wonder too.
Hi Bridget, will bring the cuttings this Sat, will also pop out and get you some of the white ones and another one I think you will love. Will be at the market 10.30ish would you also like some organic eggs, we have too many at the moment, only so many cakes we can eat.
Oh yes please to roses and eggs. Will trade you some home made jam if you like?
it looks lovely Bridget, must have made a nice day out, so many interesting things, the derilict cottage and neat beech hedge must have a story, curious, I hope your rose takes, Frances
Me too Frances…the scent from that rose was just lovely. Been meaning to stop at that cottage for ages…it always catches my attention.
That will be great, see you Saturday.
A lovely walk, I really enjoyed the photos.