Kilrush

Kilrush near Clonmellon in County Westmeath was acquired by NádúrNua in September 2025.

The woodland is very appealing as it is already quite diversified with 40 acres of Oak, Beech and Norwegian Spruce planted 16 years ago. There are also 20 acres of long established broadleaf woodland (in existence since 1830) with multiple tree species, including Oak, Scot’s Pine, Ash, Beech, Hawthorn and Hazel. The balance is scrubland, some low-lying wetlands and a small lough, called Cunningham’s Lough. Red-endangered Woodcocks are nesting in Kilrush.

Part of the woodland also lies on a long winding ridge of boulders and clay, formed by glacial meltwater. This is called an “Eiscir” in Irish and is the origin of the English word, “Esker”. It’s an unusual geological feature, part of which is exposed near the entrance to the woodland.

The understory of the long established native woodland is ecologically rich in wildflowers, plants and fungi. Enchanter’s Nightshade, Lords and Ladies, Sweet Woodruff and Hart’s Tongue Fern all point to a long history of continuous tree cover, damp, sheltered and unpolluted conditions and stable, nutrient-balanced soils. The presence of Dryad’s Saddle, Stump Puffballs and Giant Puffball fungi suggests a healthy, nutrient-rich habitat actively recycling dead wood and organic debris.

The management plan for Kilrush wil focus on enhancing the biodiversity of the overall woodland by introducing some of the measures we have used on other woodlands (Barn Owl and Kestrel boxes, Pine Marten boxes and Bat roosting boxes). A log hive for the Native Irish Honey Bee was installed in June 2026 and is now occupied.

Road access improvements to the woodland were undertaken in January 2026. This was with a view to start thinning the young Oak, Beech and Norwegian Spruce.

Kilrush fits in very well to NádúrNua’s closer to nature strategy. Over time it will become a sustainable 70 acre woodland providing both timber and ecosystem benefits.