Barna Woods

Barna Woods (Irish: Coill Bhearna) is an area of mixed broadleaf woodland located in Barna, County Galway, Ireland. The woods are approximately 3 miles from Galway city centre near Galway Bay.[1] The woods are accessible from Cappagh park which is located in Knocknacara or from Barna Road (Coastal Road - R336) where there is a small carpark. Other sections of the woods include an area across the road known as the South Wood which leads to marshlands ending in the Silver Strand (Irish: Trá na gCeann) on Galway Bay.

Ecological importance

The woods are owned by Galway City Council and are open to the public.[2] They are managed as part of a large Special Area of Conservation, the Galway Bay Complex, which protects a diverse range of marine, coastal and terrestrial habitats.[3]

Storm Éowyn

In January, almost 100 trees fell in Barna Woods due to Storm Éowyn. [4]The woodland remained closed to the public for over four months following the storm due to safety concerns.[5] In response, Galway City Council launched a project to repurpose selected fallen trees into chainsaw-carved sculptures depicting various figures, including an owl, an otter chasing a fish, and a fairy house. [6]

References

  1. ^ map
  2. ^ "Barna Woods Project. Recreational woodland amenity for Galway City | The Ecology and History of Barna Woods, Galway City". galwaybarnawoods.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2009. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  3. ^ SAC Site Synopsis, National Parks and Wildlife Service
  4. ^ News, GBFM (1 October 2025). "Artist transforms Storm Éowyn-fallen trees in Barna Woods into magical sculptures". GalwayBayFM. Retrieved 15 October 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Popular Galway nature spot set to reopen after Storm Éowyn cleanup". Irish Independent. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  6. ^ "If You Go Down to Barna Woods Today, You're Sure of a Big Surprise! | Galway City Council". www.galwaycity.ie. Retrieved 15 October 2025.

53°15′39″N 9°8′2″W / 53.26083°N 9.13389°W / 53.26083; -9.13389


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