Barna Woods

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Path in Barna Woods Barna Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1249263.jpg
Path in Barna Woods
Barna Woods in March 2009 Barna Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1249245.jpg
Barna Woods in March 2009

Barna Woods (Irish : Coill Bhearna) is an area of mixed broadleaf woodland located in Barna, County Galway, Ireland. The woods are approximately 3 miles from Galway city centre near Galway Bay. [1] The woods are accessible from Cappagh park which is located in Knocknacara or from Barna Road (Coastal Road - R336) where there is a small carpark. Other sections of the woods include an area across the road known as the South Wood which leads to marshlands ending in the Silver Strand (Irish : Trá na gCeann) on Galway Bay.

Contents

Ecological importance

The woods are owned by Galway City Council and are open to the public. [2] They are managed as part of a large Special Area of Conservation, the Galway Bay Complex, which protects a diverse range of marine, coastal and terrestrial habitats. [3]

Storm Éowyn

In January, almost 100 trees fell in Barna Woods due to Storm Éowyn. [4] The woodland remained closed to the public for over four months following the storm due to safety concerns. [5] In response, Galway City Council launched a project to repurpose selected fallen trees into chainsaw-carved sculptures depicting various figures, including an owl, an otter chasing a fish, and a fairy house. [6]

References

  1. map [ usurped ]
  2. "Barna Woods Project. Recreational woodland amenity for Galway City | The Ecology and History of Barna Woods, Galway City". galwaybarnawoods.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2009. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  3. SAC Site Synopsis [ permanent dead link ], National Parks and Wildlife Service
  4. News, GBFM (1 October 2025). "Artist transforms Storm Éowyn-fallen trees in Barna Woods into magical sculptures". GalwayBayFM. Retrieved 15 October 2025.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. "Popular Galway nature spot set to reopen after Storm Éowyn cleanup". Irish Independent. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  6. "If You Go Down to Barna Woods Today, You're Sure of a Big Surprise! | Galway City Council". www.galwaycity.ie. Retrieved 15 October 2025.

53°15′39″N9°8′2″W / 53.26083°N 9.13389°W / 53.26083; -9.13389