Finding Echoes of California in Glengarra Woods – July 29th, 2026

With recent weather proclaiming a more sun kissed Ireland beyond the usual overcast damp/wet summers of yore 28 RTAI walkers set off. We were seeking to view giant Californian Sequoia, Monterey Cypress and other exotic trees in Glengarra Woods. With such a quest in mind on the slopes of the Galtee Mountains, we assembled at the Firgrove Hotel, travelled through part of Limerick and on into Tipperary just 15km from Cahir. Joan McCann supplied our knowledgeable guide, Ian Anderton, and sweeper, Martin Hurley. The parking at the woods is spacious with information well presented in the carpark. We had landed in 11,000 acres of a hunting and fishing recreation area of the vast estates of our once gentry class. We saw up close its own attractive hunting lodge. John Nash, who designed said lodge, also had a hand in the building of Buckingham Palace on the other island. When one our members proclaimed “I stayed there” the ambiguity of whether it was the palace or the lodge was allowed to linger. 

The exotic trees that loomed over us were souvenirs of the Grand Tour travels of the the leisured gentry in their formative years. A “bingo- type” card to mark off the various spectacular trees would be a worthwhile exercise on a further visit when walking was not the primary focus of the day. In the distance, a millennium plantation that honours us all, was seen to be thriving.

The dramatic ups and downs of the estate owners over hundreds of years for being loyal or not loyal enough was recounted. The dire plight of tenant farmers on tiny holdings is even more worthy of our tears. The paths were clearly marked, with heavy boots hardly required in the dry conditions. We were led to views that were panoramic and the visibility was all that could be desired. Ian picked our picnic spot with care which enhanced our food. The wood had it… but bog standard conifers would have been worth a visit. The wonderful mix of magnificent specimen trees from foreign parts added more than a little. It helped make a forest walk a very special forest walk. 

Much thanks to all in RTAI who made it possible and overcame high temperature challenges earlier in the month.

Seán Ó Callanáin 

Thanks to Martin Conroy for another selection of photos