© Paul J Allen 2011
The landscape surrounding Hazelwood House, and beside the River Garravogue and Lough
Gill is of outstanding beauty. It has been under threat from a proposed housing development
that would scar the natural environment forever. Trees would have been ruthlessly pulled
down, with roads, pavements and houses smothering the fertile land where once wild flowers
grew. The exquiste views along the river's edge would have been replaced by the sight of
bricks and concrete. The woods much loved and frequented by locals and visitors alike gone
under the bulldozers, never to return. The unspoilt magnificence of Lough Gill, regarded by
many as one of the most glorious lakes in Ireland, would never have been the same.
Thankfully, with the committed diligence of the Hazelwood Action Group Sligo and many
individuals, this environmental catastrophe did not happen and the beautiful area of
Hazelwood Forest is safe for the present, for residents and visitors to admire, explore and
enjoy. Now, the Hazelwood Action Group Sligo, with the first phase of its mandate, opposing
the proposed development, must turn its attention to the future and particularly the future of
Hazelwood House.
Unfortunately this beautiful and important Palladian house now stands empty. The remains of
the Saehan plastics factory covers the site of the original walled garden and the vista behind
the house. Hazelwood House was a great 18th century estate owned by the Wynne family in
Co. Sligo. From the original 15000 acres only 70 acres still belong to the House. Hazelwood
Action Group Sligo, the local community action group in conjunction with the Irish Georgian
society, the Heritage Council and the Sligo Field Club, and others, are all working to have the
House eventually restored.
This website is dedicated to the protection and care of Hazelwood House and Hazelwood
Forest. Hopefully you will enjoy your visit here. Please feel free to browse our webpages
We HAVE
MOVED
To A New
Website
(click pic)