The number of people visiting the Dublin Mountains increased by over 100 per cent last year.
Coillte says overall visitor numbers to the country’s top 50 forests were 2.2 million from the beginning of March to the end of December 2020. This represents an overall increase of 38% from 1.6 million for the same period in 2019.
Top ten forest locations include Dublin, Monaghan, Kildare, Wexford.
Visitors
Some forests like the Dublin Mountains, Rossmore in Monaghan and Donadea in Kildare experienced doubling or tripling of visitor numbers.
The Dublin Mountains - of which Ticknock Forest accounts for the majority - is the most visited, followed by Rossmore Forest Park, Co. Monaghan and Donadea Forest Park in Co Kildare.
The Dublin Mountains include Ticknock, Tibradden, Hellfire, Cruagh, Barnaslingan, Kilmashogue, Massey’s Wood and Ballyedmonduff.
Just over 30,000 people visited the Dublin mountains in February 2020.
That figure jumped to over 60,000 in December.
Boost
Imelda Hurley, Coillte’s CEO, says: "We’re delighted so many people are using their local forests more during this difficult and prolonged Covid lockdown. Healthy forests are not only beautiful to look at but provide a much needed physical and mental wellness boost.
"It’s widely agreed fresh air and green outside spaces enhance people’s mood, happiness and overall health.
"This is particularly important right now. We’re glad people’s local forests are a healthy and positive outlet for them. We simply ask that Covid restrictions be adhered to when visiting."
