Killarney National Park - Woodlands

Woodlands

Killarney possesses the most extensive area (approximately 120 square kilometres (30,000 acres)) of semi-natural native woodland (woodland dominated by indigenous species) remaining in Ireland. Most of this woodland is encompassed by the national park. There are three main types of woodland in the park: acidophilous Oak woodland (Quercus petraea-Ilex aquifolium) on Devonian sandstone; moss-rich Yew woodland (Taxus baccata) on Carboniferous limestone outcrops; and wet woodland (also called carr) dominated by Alder on low-lying swampy limestone soils on the lake edges. The woods in the park fall naturally into two sectors, along the geologic divide. The Oak and Yew woodlands are of international importance.

Mixed woodland and conifer plantations also occur in the park. The mixed woodland on Ross Island has one of the richest herb layers in the park's woods.

Grazing and Rhododendron invasion threaten the park's woodlands. Rhododendrons affect approximately two-thirds of the Oak woodlands. A Rhododendron removal programme is under way in the park. The Yew woodlands have been negatively affected by heavy grazing for many years.