A tucked-away coastal woodland on the shores of Castlehaven inlet, where a short forest trail meets fairy houses, a famine-era wall, and views across water just 50 metres wide at "The Narrows".
A 1.1 km waymarked loop (blue, moderate, ~30 mins) that skirts the shoreline of Castlehaven inlet. The path traces the old estate boundary with views across the water to the far shore — at The Narrows the inlet squeezes to just 50 metres wide. Look for the old coastal lime kiln right on the shore.
Dotted among the tree roots along the walk are dozens of tiny fairy houses — from hobbit-hole doors to miniature cabins. Children can leave notes for the tooth fairy in a dedicated letterbox. It's widely regarded as one of Ireland's original fairy trails.
Every Saturday morning, a free 5 km parkrun takes over the woods — two clockwise laps on a mix of gravel and forest trails, with a short uphill steps section each lap. All ages and abilities welcome; just register online beforehand and bring your barcode.
The stone 'Famine Wall' running through the woods was built during the Great Famine to keep deer within the old Salter Townsend estate. Down by the water you'll find a restored coastal lime kiln where quarried lime was once brought in by boat and burned.
The coastal road between Glandore, Union Hall and Castletownshend makes a spectacular approach to the woods — narrow lanes, sea views, and colourful harbour villages well worth stopping at.
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