The Gearagh
The Gearagh is a submerged glacial woodland and nature reserve on the R584. As you come from the city on the N22 and are getting close to Macroom, turn left on to the R584. A few minutes later, you'll arrive at your destination, on the left. There is a (small enough) carpark. The area was flooded in the 1950s as part of a hydroelectric scheme that included the Inniscarra dam. That ancient forest, along with farms and houses, was flooded. You'll see tree stumps in the extensive waters. It is an easy walk, a straight line through with a few paths to the sides that will take you deeper in to this fascinating place. Fascinating yes but every now and then you remember you are walking where families had their lives changed for progress, just as has happened, and still happens around the world; Egypt's Aswan dam (built in stages in the 60s and 70s) resulted in thousands of families being resettled is a major example. Pics taken 29th April 2021.
 |
| Stumps in the waters |
 |
| Easy to walk |
 |
| The R584 runs between the stump-filled waters and cows grazing on the sloping field. |
 |
| Always a robin! |
 |
| What's keeping you? He queries. |
 |
| Be careful. The depth of the water can vary a lot |
 |
| Summer's coming |
 |
| On the lookout for a tasty lunch |
 |
| Big sky. View to the west from the bridge (below) |
