Bogland
While the lower slopes of the mountains are dominated by Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), above 200 metres (660 ft) the mountains are virtually treeless and are dominated by blanket bog and wet heath. The bogs in the park mostly have a characteristic flora that includes the species Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Western Gorse (Ulex gallii), with occasional Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Large-flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora) is common. The bogs also support a number of notable species, including mosses (Sphagnum pulchrum, S. fuscum, S. platyphyllum, S. strictum, S. contortum and Calliergon stramineum), liverworts (Cladopodiella francisci and Calypogeia azurea) and lichens (Cladonia mediterranea, C. macilenta, C. rangiferina, C. arbuscula and Cetraria islandica).
The remoteness of some of the upland areas aids the survival of Ireland's only remaining wild herd of native Red Deer. The bogs are threatened by grazing, turbary, burning and afforestation.
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