Tourism potential of the Gearagh to be explored

Designated a wetland of international importance, it also enjoys protection as an EU Special Area of Conservation

Today, only the stumps of the trees survive in floodland, giving the area a ghostly and almost lunar appearance. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Gearagh, one of Ireland's most unique and precious landscapes, near Macroom, Co Cork, has the potential to be developed as a national tourism asset, the Senate was told.

It was previously densely populated with ancient oak trees and was the last surviving full oak forest in western Europe.