Barroosky

The Glenamoy Bog Complex is a large site situated in the extreme north-west of Erris, County Mayo, incorporating both inland and coastal regions. The climate is wet and oceanic and there are frequent strong winds across the area which is largely treeless and relatively exposed. The bog complex area is drained by four main river systems - the Glenamoy, the Muingnabo, the Belderg and the Glenglassra rivers. Extreme oceanic blanket bog dominates the site in its inland areas.[12] The coastal habitats of Glenamoy bog complex are extensive and varied. Sea cliffs dominate the coastline reaching a height of 253 metres at Benwee Head.[13] There are many steep-sided islands off the coastline which are mainly used a summer grazing for livestock if the area of machair on them is large enough.[14] Bog can be used a rich source of fuel and has been harvested for centuries;[15] however, it is more difficult to be used for agriculture because of its acidic properties[16] and moistness of its soil.[17]

Barroosky is situated near to[18] the Sheskin Forest (not to be confused with Sheskin, County Monaghan) which stretches from near Ballycastle to Bellacorick. The forest is a large area of conifer forest plantation established on the bog lands of north Mayo.[19] A hunting lodge built by the McDonnell family and later owned by the Jameson family, now in ruins lies there.[20][21][22]