The setting of Glengarriff Woods is spectacular with the forest nestled in a sheltered glen, which opens out into Glengarriff Harbour with its many inlets and islands.

Above the woods rise the imposing Caha Mountains with their dramatic sandstone outcrops, forming the border between counties Cork and Kerry.

The woods themselves are a remnant of the ancient Irish oak forests and are considered to be second only in importance to the Killarney oakwoods.

Bare rock erupts everywhere often with ancient trees clinging on, seemingly without the need for much soil. There are healthy populations of red squirrels, deer and otters as well as many other animals and birds.

A profusion of ferns, mosses, lichens and orchids are testament to both the clean air and the moist, warm nature of the climate produced by the Gulf Stream Current.