Tomnafinnoge Woods

In 1634, the woods were estimated to cover 'more than many thousand acres', but from then on they were heavily exploited especially for shipbuilding.

Some sources say that it was oak from these woods that was originally used to make the old Irish walking sticks, commonly called "Shillelaghs", however this is not true.

There is no actual connection between the walking sticks with the village or forest of Shillelagh (Irish: Síol Éalaigh, meaning "descendants of Éalach") in County Wicklow, other than the fact that both the original Irish names have ended up with the same Anglicized pronunciation.

They are included in the Slaney River Valley candidate Special Area of Conservation.

This is one of the best places in Ireland to see the great spotted woodpecker, which has recently recolonised the country.