Glenafelly Eco Walk

Situated near the entrance on private land opposite the car park is the Fiddlers Rock. This great stone of quartzite was erected in prehistoric times and demonstrattes man's long occupation of this valley. Directions to Glenafelly Eco Walk Travel to the village of Kinnitty which is located on the R421 between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. From the village, take the ‘high’ road (towards Roscrea) also signposted for Glenafelly, after 1km, turn left at a road junction signposted Old Munster Road. The entrance to the forest is on the left after a further 1.5km. The Glenafelly Eco Walk passes through mature and semimature follows along both sides of a quiet and remote river valley leading into the townland of Barcam at the top of the valley. The open lower slopes of the valley along the river banks contrast withe the seclusion of the more heavily wooded upper section. Native broadleaved tree species such as birch and alder and conifer tress such as Norway spruce and sitka spruce can be found in the valley. Foxglove, bracken, thistle, heather, bilberry and holly are also evident along the trail. Look out for evidence of the animal life in the valley which includes fallow deer, badger, fox, pine marten and wood mouse. Birds of the valley include jay, raven, crow, dipper, hen harrier and bullfinch. The Slieve Bloom Way runs beside the forest entrance on the public road and can be used to link with other loop routes in the Slieve Blooms.

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