Rostellan Woods
The name Rostellan – Ros toileán (island promontory) is probable derived from its location, hidden deep in the East Cork coastline overlooking Cork Harbour. Looking to the south can be seen the ESB’s Aghada Electricity Generating Station, powered by gas it has a capacity of 540Mw. A little further south can be seen Whitegate Oil Refinery, which supplies up to 40% of Ireland’s fuel needs.
The wood was originally part of Rostellan Estate and once had a flax mill and an opencast mine. Rostellan Castle was demolished in 1920s. Rostellan Bridge, adjacent to wood, incorporates a rare example of a complex 18th. century milestone.
The wood lies on flat fertile ground with a small public road running through the southern section. The wood covers an area of approximately 71.5 hectares (177 acres) and has large coastal frontage on to Cork Harbour to the north and west. The southern section of the wood lies adjacent to Rostellan Lake; this lake is famed for its bird life and attracts large numbers of bird watchers all year round. Beautiful views of Cork Harbour can be seen from the Wood; to the west, Great Island can be seen and the historical town of Cobh also clearly visible.This is a mixed wood with Alder, Ash, Willow, Hawthorn and Oak which has a large variety of woodland birds and animals.
It boasts a saltwater marsh which supports a lot of wildfowl. It goes into Saleen Creek (or Poulnabibe Inlet) which is an SPA (Special Protected Area).
There is also an 18th. century folly tower (partly in ruin) at the western point of wood on edge of seashore
which was built by Lord Inchiquin in honour of the actress, Sarah Siddons, who was a famous actress in Drury Lane for 20 years during the latter part of the 18th. century.
There is quite good parking facilities and people can access the wood without having to cross a road and it is possible to
walk to Rostellan village through the wood and along the shore of the creek.The walks of up to 1.5 km which are flat and easy and can be enjoyed by all ages – young and old.
Directions
Take the Midleton to Whitegate road. About 5 kms South of Midleton, you will come to the village of Saleen. Keep going South and about 1.5 kms later, you will probably see an orienteering signpost for the right turn at the crossroad’s.
Alternatively, you can take the Cloyne to White gate road and continue until you reach the village of Rostellan and then take the only right hand turn.
Stay on this road for several hundred metres and you will find the wood.
Parking Info
No of car spaces: 15 Car park opens: 8am Car park closes: 6pm (winter), 10pm (summer)
Visit Collite outdoors for more information