Watch Part 1 (It's more fun): https://youtu.be/f2EUrwI81oQ

Oh and just in case you watched until the very end and wonder who Mike is: https://youtu.be/cEJhKskSXRo?si=z6RkZJ3kFc9aNHl3&utm_source=MTQxZ

It may have its problems but I love the fact that we have one area without a coffee shop

It will never rewild unless they get rid of the sheep

Thanks for the work you are doing, man! I love the Dublin/Wicklow mountains and I want to see our beautiful country heal from the abuse it has suffered over the last 2,000 years

The state of the wilderness here is really heartbreaking, and as much as I’m glad that they’re “trying” to create a wilderness it will never happen in my lifetime and probably not even in the lifetime of my children.

I was privileged enough to be involved with the people who had the vision to develop this place 30 years ago ,  have to say you have approached it in an objective  way .   Simply it's as close as we have on the island to a wilderness,  30 years ago everyone was well  swear of the non natives ,, another conversation  , great video stephan  ,keep em coming

Here in the Pacific Northwest we run into the same conundrum with monoculture forests. At one point in Washington’s history the state was nearly deforested by logging. Many of our managed forests are now over 90% Douglas fir. We have designated areas that are slowly returning but the reality is that a managed forest is still better than no forest.

Wild nephin is also an internationally recognised dark sky reserve with bortle 1/2 skies, pristine for stargazing.

Just stumbled upon your channel and I'm really enjoying your passion, your humor, and how information emerges from it. Thank you mate - nice work.

I've never felt as isolated in Ireland as the ballaghasheen region in Kerry, even then that's a main road and even some farms, some homes, but very very few so it gives that wilderness effect to the eye... Ireland just can't do wilderness! We're such a closed up agricultural country, and it's a damn shame most of the time.... it's a minor sense of comfort however you can walk in any direction for an hour and probably smack into a centra or something though

Excellent video series mate! Never knew about this trail before, looks worth it!

Love your videos it's basically the most fresh air  I get all week  😅

I'm an avid hiker from Hungary and I still can't get used to how different the landscape is, after moving and hiking here for 4 years. I wouldn't call the planted areas a wilderness, maybe the bog if the sheep was gone. But it's great to see that there is something happening that's going the right direction.

Once again, brilliant video-content, picture and voice. Who needs to TV licence with content like this

The rhododendron growth reminded me of the two tourists who had to be rescued in Killarney after getting totally  trapped.  Took rescue services 5 hours to get 400m through rhododendron.

Tree-mendous job.  That’s a keeper!

That was actually so very nice that people you don’t know are worried about you ❤. People get lost in our forests regularly. It’s rare when people call! Definitely leave a note next time. Just print it out ahead. It still so sweet, though!
Great video! Thanks!

Good idea for the wilderness area.
It will take time, as many things.

These trees plantations can bring some profit in few years, so it makes sense to keep them.

The sheep should be limited - totally agree on that point.

I think your thoughts you expressed near the end were spot on. Designating the area a wilderness will give it protections from any future commercial exploitation. And you're right that people who experience it will want more areas protected. It can re-wild itself and future generations will see changes you can only dream about.

Could leave note to say, "if you need me to move my van please call <insert phone number> that way it gives the impression your not far away (i.e. discourage thieves) but also if anyone is worried they can call you

Ireland is beautiful, hopefully some day I can visit :)