Oaklands & Bogs

Oaklands

The Oak woodlands at Killarney National Park form the most extensive area of native woodlands in Ireland. The Park also encompasses the largest Yew woodland, which occurs along the Muckross Peninsula, and one of the most natural Sessile Oak woodland areas in the country. Other notable species of the woodland canopy include Alder, Ash, Downy Birch and a number of willow varieties. Some of the trees at Killarney are over 200 years old.

The dense canopy and continuous shade of the woodland results in a scant herbaceous undergrowth. However, the woodlands do support one of the best developed examples of Atlantic bryophyte layers in Europe.

Native Woodland

Courtesy of the Irish Wildlife Trust

Native Woodland - Courtesy of the Irish Wildlife Trust

Oak Tree

Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Oak Tree - Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Alder Tree

Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Alder Tree - Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Ash Trees

Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Ash Trees - Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta

Bogs

Another protected area of Killarney National Park is the blanket bog that characterises the highland areas. The common bogland species are all present, such as Heathers and Western Gorse. Of particular interest for botanists is the collection of Lusitanian species that flourish in the area, including Large-flowered Butterwort. The bog also supports a small population of White-fronted Geese, which is one of the few populations that survive entirely on the provisions of bogland.


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