Maganey group organises memorable forest event
Dr Sharon Greene presented her archaeological research on Mullaghcreelan with humour and grace
Maganey Community Group finished off their Heritage Week 2024 on Sunday 25 August with a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable family event.
The lucky few who came out and braved the elements at Mullaghcreelan Wood get to say ‘we were at the very first one’!
A very special thank you goes to Dr Sharon Greene who presented her archaeological research on Mullaghcreelan, which she delivered with humour and grace, to all who attended.
Afterwards, some junior members of the community joined them on the treasure hunt, which provided laughter, treats and a ramble into the woods.
They closed out the afternoon with singing and dancing to the fantastic Cairde Ceol traditional band.
The work on this event couldn't have been done without the dedication of the organising committee and volunteers of the Maganey Community Group.
They wish to thank all who joined them and made their first Heritage Week event a memorable success, with planning for 2025 already underway.
Mullaghreelan Wood adjoins Kilkea Castle; the wood encircles a hilltop rath that overlooks the castle and offers fantastic views to the west. According to Coillte, the rath probably precedes the castle, while the wood features a great display of bluebells when they come out.
It’s a popular destination for families and has an extensive network of forest roads and trails which can cater for both the casual stroller or the nature walker. Two of these trails are waymarked.
The Rath Walk (2km, 45 mins, moderate) is a nice walk through the forest up through the beech lined avenue and on up to the rath for a great view. The O’Tuathaill Walk (2km, 45 mins, moderate) route takes you via the wishing well in the north east of the forest, where it’s said that ‘ladies of old would have thrown coins into the well and made a wish to find a husband.’
