Contemporary accounts of the Killarney Woods 1580–1870

Abstract

Numerous references to the history of woodland at Killarney can be found in accessible literature. The present woodlands represent survival from charcoal burning for iron-works, from estate management practices during the eighteenth century and from clear-felling and replanting during the period of the Napoleonic Wars. With the possible exception of woods on the Muckross Peninsula, all woodland stands in the Killarney Valley have been disturbed by various forms of human use in recent centuries. In the nineteenth century prior to modern afforestation with non-native trees, the introduction of exotic plants and animals has had a major impact on the landscape. The present protection of much of the Valley's woods in the National Park provides hope that natural woodland conditions will be re-established extensively with time. The existence of records of woodland in the literature is of great value in understanding the present condition of the Valley and in resolving the management problems it poses for conservation.