MONIVEA WOODLAND

If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic walk in Galway, you might want to check out Monivea Woods. This is a beautiful woodland area in the village of Monivea. Monivea Woods has a rich history and some interesting features that make it worth a visit.

The woods is managed by Coillte, the Irish forestry company, and covers about 250 hectares of land. The woods are mainly composed of beech, oak, ash and sycamore trees, some of which are over 200 years old. The woods provide a habitat for various wildlife, such as deer, foxes, squirrels, rabbits and birds.

There are two main looped trails in Monivea Woods, one is 1.5 km and the other is 1.3 km long. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and suitable for all ages and abilities. The trails are mostly flat and gravelled, but there are some muddy sections after rain. The trails offer lovely views of the forest and the surrounding countryside.

One of the highlights of Monivea Woods is the mausoleum of the Ffrench family, who owned the land for centuries. The mausoleum is a Gothic-style building made of granite, with stained glass windows and a marble chapel inside. It contains the remains of Robert Ffrench and his daughter Catherine. Catherine was the last of the Ffrench line, and she left the estate to the public on the condition that the trees would not be cut down.

Another interesting feature of Monivea Woods is the ice house, which dates back to the 17th century. The ice house was used to store ice and keep food fresh before refrigeration was invented. The ice house is a circular stone structure with a domed roof and a tunnel leading to it. It is located near the entrance of the woods.

The woods are accessible both by car or by public transport. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking in the woods. There are no toilets or facilities in Monivea Woods so be sure to bring water and snacks if you plan to spend some time exploring the woods. 

Please respect the wildlife and do not litter or disturb the natural environment. Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a leash at all times and clean up after them. There are numerous parking spaces at two entrances to the woods, along with information boards.