Pooleen
Overview
Pooleen derives its name from the Irish ‘An Poillín’ which means a small lake or pool. This refers to the impressive pool that was carved out by the Glengarriff river that flows through the wood. The sounds and energy created by the water at this pool are awesome. This area of Coillte woodland is part of the greater Glengarriff Demesne most of which now belongs to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) who manage it as a Nature Reserve. Part of Coillte’s property and all of the NPWS property make up the greater part of the Glengarriff Woodland Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The indigenous Sessile oak here is rated second only in importance to the Killarney Oak.
Things to do
Explore nature: The entire woodland, located in a deep glacial valley has a mild oceanic climate providing conditions for luxuriant growth of vegetation including many Mediterranean and Lusitanian species. Six of the species of bats are present in the glen.
Don’t miss our hidden gem
The roar of the river passing through Pooleen and the imprint that it has left on rocks over millennia has to inspire awe for Mother Nature.