Aghrane
Overview
Aghrane forest (Ballygar) is an old woodland site which was formerly part of the Castle Kelly Estate. The Castlekelly trail is dual purpose family friendly cycle and walking trail. This trail starts in the village and offers views of mixed commercial forest and beautiful parkland trees planted by the old estate. The first few hundred metres is a mixed old woodland of Beech, Scots pine, Ash and Sycamore. The Aghrane walking trail is similar to the Castlekelly trail but on return part of the loop passes close to Aughrim bog Natural heritage Area (NHA no.001227. See www.npws.ie) Trees were removed from part of the bog to return it to its former status as a raised bog habitat. Aughrim Bog is a site of considerable conservation significance comprising as it does a raised bog, a rare habitat in the E.U. and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. This site supports a good diversity of raised bog microhabitats, including hummock/hollow complexes, pools and flushes.
Things to do
Walk/Cycle:
The Castlekelly trail is dual purpose 5.7 Km, family friendly cycle and walking trail. This trail starts in the village and offers views of mixed commercial forest and beautiful parkland trees planted by the old estate. The first few hundred metres is a mixed old woodland of Beech, Scots pine, Ash and Sycamore. Further on you will see the old estate Grand Bridge close to the open parkland and Castlekelly ruin. Note the location of the Sappers mark on the right hand side of the bridge wall. Trees planted in the open parkland include Copper beech, Oak, Beech and Cupressus Macrocarpa.
The Aghrane loop is 8 Kms and offers a view of the Aughrim raised bog.
Explore nature: There is a wide diversity of species throughout the forest. Also check out the information signage adjacent to the Aughrim raised bog restoration project.
Don’t miss our hidden gem.
See if you can find the “Sappers mark” on the bridge over the river near the beautiful open area close to the ruin of Castlekelly house!.