Glengarra Woods

Overview

Glengarra Woods lies on the foothills of the Galtee Mountains, about 15 km southwest of Cahir in County Tipperary. The woodland spreads across roughly 1 km² of Old Red Sandstone, offering a striking blend of coniferous plantation and native broadleaf stands. Visitors are greeted by an arboretum of exotic specimens – towering Californian sequoias, Bhutan pine, Wellingtonia, yew and Monterey cypress – all clustered near the main car‑park and forest road. A dense canopy of rhododendron blankets the access road, bursting into colour each early summer.

The Burncourt River threads its way through the wood, crossed by two footbridges that give walkers easy access to both banks. From the river’s banks rise several viewing points that sweep across the low‑lying Golden Vale and, on clear days, the distant Knockmealdown Mountains. A restored 19th‑century hunting lodge, known locally as the Mountain Lodge, sits at the northern edge of the forest and is now a community‑run venue.

History

Glengarra formed part of a land grant made by Charles I to Sir Richard Everard in 1640. Following the Cromwellian wars the estate was confiscated because Everard supported the Royalist cause and passed into the hands of the Lismore family, who retained it until 1940. The remains of Shanbally Castle, the Lismore family seat, can still be seen beside the road between Burncourt and Clogheen.

In the 1800s the Viscount of Lismore erected the Mountain Lodge as a hunting and fishing retreat and planted a mixture of native and exotic trees along the river and the road leading to the lodge. Species such as Lebanon cedar, Sequoiadendron, various pines, laurel and rhododendron were introduced during the estate’s “Grand Tour” era. After the estate was sold, the woods became a Millennium Forest project site; in the year 2000 a further 60 000 native trees – mainly oak, with birch, alder and Scots pine – were planted to mark the new millennium.

What to See & Do

Walking trails

Glengarra offers two main looped walks:

• Red Loop – 1.70 km (≈2 km on the ground), 20 m ascent, about 60 minutes. Marked with red posts, this easy circuit crosses the Burncourt River, showcases the giant sequoias and yew, and passes a stand of Scots pine. Tree tags help younger walkers identify species.
• Millennium (Green) Trail – 7 km, moderate difficulty, 2‑2.5 hrs. Signposted with green arrows and oak‑leaf symbols, the trail climbs from the car‑park, weaves through the newer Millennium Forest, skirts the river, and offers several panoramic viewpoints. Highlights include the exotic rhododendron tunnel, the historic Mountain Lodge, and a shallow ford across the Burncourt River that can be crossed via stepping stones.

Arboretum and exotic specimens

The main car‑park area is a living museum of rare trees. Visitors can admire the massive Wellingtonia (giant sequoia) and Bhutan pine, both gifts from the estate’s former owners. The rhododendron canopy, which reaches its peak bloom in early summer, creates a vivid purple‑blue tunnel that is a favourite photo spot.

Holy Well of Shanrahan

Within the Shanbally Demesne lies the Holy Well of Shanrahan (also recorded as St Malachy’s Well). The well is set in a circular stone‑walled basin about 5 ft across and 4 ft deep, topped by a plain stone cross erected by Lord Lismore. Historically it was a pilgrimage site visited on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Local tradition holds that the water cures rheumatic pains and weak eyesight. Today the well is still visited by locals on Easter and by tourists interested in folklore; a forked yew tree nearby is used for offering ribbons.

Guided walks and events

The South Tipperary Tourism Company runs occasional guided walks, typically on Saturdays in spring and autumn, covering the Millennium Trail and highlighting the wood’s flora, fauna and history. Contact details can be obtained from the local tourism office or the Discover Ireland page.

Mountain Lodge and community events

Built in 1872 as a hunting and fishing retreat for the Viscount of Lismore, the Mountain Lodge later served as a youth hostel before closing in 2012. It is now managed by the local Burncourt community and hosts occasional wellbeing and cultural events. Its stone façade and surrounding meadow make it a picturesque stop on the Millennium Trail.

Picnic and wildlife watching

Designated picnic sites sit beside the river, offering a tranquil setting for a midday break. The wood supports a variety of fauna: fallow deer, red squirrels, foxes, badgers, pine marten, bats, pygmy shrew, and a chorus of songbirds. Birdwatchers may spot hawks, kestrels, ravens, herons and occasional woodpeckers along the river corridor.

Practical Information

Glengarra Woods is open year‑round and free to enter. A large car‑park is located just off the R639 (the old Dublin‑Cork road) and provides easy access to all trails. Parking is free and there are no admission charges.

The Millennium Trail begins at the top of the car‑park and climbs to an altitude of about 300 m, providing several viewing platforms that look south over the Golden Vale. The route is marked with green arrows and oak‑leaf symbols; however, walkers should keep an eye out for the less‑visible green marker near the 3.5 km point, as dense shrubbery can obscure it.

The Burncourt River ford is a memorable feature of the Millennium Trail. While the stepping stones are generally safe, visitors should use waterproof boots, especially after heavy rain when the water level rises.

Getting there

Glengarra Woods is easily reached via the M8 motorway; take the exit for Cahir and follow the R639 south‑west for about 15 km. The car‑park sits directly off the road, with clear signage for the forest entrance. For navigation, the coordinates 52.320627, ‑8.102336 can be entered into any GPS device.

Nearby attractions

While in the area, consider a short detour to the ruins of Shanbally Castle (visible from the R639) or a visit to the historic town of Cahir, home to Cahir Castle and a vibrant market centre.

Glengarra Woods offers a rare combination of exotic arboretum specimens, native woodland, historic architecture, a holy well and well‑maintained walking routes, making it an appealing destination for families, nature lovers and anyone exploring the heart of County Tipperary.