Tomies Wood

Welcome to Tomies Wood, one of the most significant remnants of the ancient oak forests that once covered much of Ireland. Nestled on the lower slopes of Tomies Mountain and bordering the western shore of Lough Leane, this…

As you look upward, you are gazing at the crown of the Sessile Oak, Ireland's national tree. Unlike the Common Oak, the acorns of the Sessile Oak do not have stalks, but sit directly on the twigs—hence the name. …

Below the oak canopy, you will find a dense layer of holly trees. Holly is a quintessential part of the Irish woodland, known for its glossy, evergreen leaves and vibrant red berries in the winter. …

Following the sound of rushing water, you arrive at O’Sullivan’s Cascade, one of the most enchanting waterfalls in the Killarney region. The water tumbles down a series of moss-covered rock steps, creating a white foam that…

Look closely at the ground and the trunks of the trees, and you will see a world in miniature. Tomies Wood is famous for its incredible variety of mosses, liverworts, and ferns, which thrive in the high rainfall and consistent…

Tomies Wood is a prime habitat for Ireland's native Red Deer and the introduced Sika deer. The Red Deer are particularly significant, as the Killarney herd is the only one in Ireland that has been continuous since the…

As the trail nears the western edge of the wood, the trees thin out to reveal the expansive waters of Lough Leane. This is the largest of Killarney's lakes, and from this vantage point, you can look across to Ross Castle and…

As we leave the deep green embrace of Tomies Wood, take a final moment to appreciate the antiquity of this landscape. We have walked among oaks that have seen centuries pass and visited waterfalls that have flowed since the…