Dromana
Overview
Dromana lies adjacent to the majestic River Blackwater and just over a kilometre from the architecturally, beautiful village of Villierstown. The wood once formed part of the Villiers-Stuart estate which had over 40,000 acres of land. Mature oaks & beeches are scattered throughout the property that is beside the car park. Buzzards frequent overhead, butterflies, hoverflies and moths abound during the summer months whilst they are busy pollinating the many wild flowers. Well worth a visit, enjoy!
Things to do
Walk: There are two walks to enjoy; the Dromana Wells Walk (2km, 40 mins, easy, red) is a waymarked looped walk that through Dromana Wood. It has a variety of woodland habitats and beautiful views. The Sailors Rock Trail (1km, 30 mins, easy, blue) can be accessed from Villierstown village and the pier. It is a looped woodland walk that takes in sections of the species rich alluvial woodland beside the Blackwater River and a stand of Douglas fir. There are opportunities to view a variety of bird species on the river also.
Fish: Enquire locally about permits and licenses for fishing in the Blackwater.
Scenic drive: The public road runs through the woodland and forms part of the Dromana Drive between Villierstown and Cappoquin.
Explore nature: There are some majestic beech trees dotted around and close to the picnic area.
DON’T MISS OUR HIDDEN GEM
Approximately 3km north of the main forest car park, along the public road heading in the direction of Cappoquin, you will travel through Dromana Gate Lodge. This is a single-storey Hindu Gothic-style gateway which was built in 1849 to celebrate the marriage of Henry Villiers-Stuart. It is the only example of this type of architecture in Ireland.