Union Wood

A couple of weeks ago we visited Union Wood in County Sligo. The bluebells were amazing.

Union wood, blubells

Union Wood

Union Wood

Bluebells, Union Wood

Bluebells, Union Wood

Union Wood is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the presence of old sessile oak woodland. Today,  the woodland is mixed and includes commercial forestry and is part owned by Coillte and the NPWS.

Water Avens, Union Wood

beech tree

Lords & Ladies and Bluebells

The wood was once part of the Cooper Estate, The Cooper family had acquired the land in the mid-17th century under the Cromwellian settlement. Prior to which it was owned by an old Irish family, the McDonaghs.

Union Wood

Ballysadare River at Bluebells, Union Wood

There are two looped walking trails to enjoy, one 4km and the other 5.5km long.

 

 

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Silent Sunday – Bluebells

Bluebells at Union Wood, Sligo

Silent Sunday – Glorious bluebells

 

Bluebells at Raheens Wood

Raheens Wood – return visit

Raheens wood is a placed I’ve blogged about before. We returned last week. The woodland flora is at it’s very best now. So, as time is not on my side this week, just enjoy the gallery.

Bluebell

Raheen wood

Lesser celendine

Herb Robert

Raheen wood

Raheen wood

Red campion and fern

Yellow pimpernel

Stitchworth

Violet

Wood Sorrel

 

 

 

February

Sunday, the first of February, was Ireland’s Saint Brigit’s day and seen by many in Ireland, as the first day of spring. Outside it is cold with wintery showers of hail and sleet, but the sun is shining in between. In the garden, there are signs of life. A beautiful Hellebore I got from my sister, is in flower; daffodils almost ready to open; my Brigid’s cross made from rushes; bluebell shoots from seeds I planted two years ago; hazel catkins opening and elder catkins looking nice again the blue sky.

Hellebore

Daffodils

Brigid’s Cross

Bluebell shoots

Hazel catkins opening

Alder catkins