Clare Glens facts for kids
The Clare Glens is a stunning natural area in Ireland. It's a beautiful wooded space with a path that follows a deep, narrow valley, called a gorge. This gorge is carved out of red sandstone by the Clare river. The river itself acts as a natural border, separating two counties: Tipperary and Limerick. You can find the Clare Glens about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Newport, County Tipperary and 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Murroe along the R506 road.
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Exploring the Clare Glens
The Clare Glens is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. It offers many activities for families and young explorers.
What to Do and See
When you visit, you'll find lots to enjoy:
- Walking Trails: There's a clearly marked path that runs along both sides of the river. It's a great way to explore the area and enjoy the views.
- Swimming Spots: Along the trails, you'll discover places where you can take a dip in the river.
- The Big Eas Waterfall: One of the highlights is a special opening below a beautiful waterfall, known as The Big Eas. It's a perfect spot for photos!
- Kayaking Adventures: The Clare river is popular for kayaking. Many canoeists start their journey at the top car park near Ashroe and paddle down the exciting waterfalls and rapids.
Visitor Facilities
To make your visit easy and fun, the Clare Glens has some helpful facilities:
- Parking: There are two car parks close to the entrance for walkers.
- Play Area: At the smaller car park, you'll find a small play area just for kids.
- Picnic Spots: There's also a picnic area where you can enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature.
- Restrooms: Toilet facilities are available at the smaller car park.
Improving the Paths
In the late 1990s, the path on the Limerick side of the Clare Glens was made wider and flatter. This was done so that emergency vehicles could easily access the two-mile-long walkway if needed.
Nature's Challenges
The Clare Glens has faced some challenges from nature. On February 12, 2014, a very strong storm called Storm Darwin hit the area. It caused a lot of damage to the woodlands.
Protecting Nature at Clare Glens
The Clare Glens is a very important natural site. It's officially recognized as a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This special status means the area is protected because of its unique habitats and rare plants.
Why is it Protected?
The Clare Glens is protected for two main reasons:
- Oak Woodlands: It has important areas of natural oak woodland. These forests are home to many different plants and animals.
- Rare Ferns: A very rare type of fern, called the Killarney Fern (Trichomanes speciosum), grows here. This fern needs very specific conditions to survive, making the Clare Glens a crucial place for its protection.
