Hazelwood, County Sligo facts for kids
Hazelwood (which means Coill an Eanaigh in Irish) is a very old forest area. It's located just over 2 miles outside the town of Sligo in northwest Ireland. This beautiful woodland sits right on the shores of Lough Gill.
Hazelwood is famous for its lovely walking trails. As you explore, you'll find interesting sculptures hidden among the trees. It's also a special place because the famous poet W.B. Yeats wrote about it. His poem The Song of Wandering Aengus is set here. Lough Gill, next to Hazelwood, is also home to Yeats's famous Lake Isle of Innisfree.
Many birds like swans, mallards (ducks), and gulls gather near the picnic spots. You can also enjoy fishing on Lough Gill. The forest trails offer amazing views of the lake and its islands, including Church Island, Cottage Island, and Goat Island.
Discovering Hazelwood's Nature
Hazelwood is a fantastic place to see different kinds of trees and plants. The forest is mostly filled with tall oak trees. You can also spot rowan trees, various types of willows, and bird cherry trees.
Rare Plants and Trees
Some very special and rare plants grow in Hazelwood. You might find yew trees and the rare rock whitebeam. What's even more amazing is that the shores of Lough Gill are home to the world's most northern strawberry trees. These are usually found in warmer, Mediterranean places!
The area also protects several other rare plant species. These include the yellow bird's-nest, lady’s mantle, ivy broomrape, black bryony, intermediate wintergreen, and the bird's-nest orchid. It's like a natural treasure chest of unique plant life.
The Story of Hazelwood House
Hazelwood is part of the larger Hazelwood House estate. Hazelwood House is a grand old building in the Georgian style. It was built way back in 1722 by the Wynne family. This mansion sits right beside the River Garavogue.
The Wynne family owned Hazelwood House for about 200 years. After they left in 1923, the house changed owners many times. Sadly, it was not always looked after well and is now boarded up. Even so, the history of this estate is a big part of Hazelwood's story.
