Mountbellew Demesne is about 1 km west of Mountbellew. The Bellews family received this old estate in 1684 under the Act of Settlement. They erected a flour mill in 1775 which is now in ruins. Facilities here include walled gardens enclosing a herd of Sika deer, an old forge - now a museum containing local artifacts - a tug boat (around 900 years old), the Herd's House and a flour mill (now in ruins). Facilities: Car park, forest walk and picnic site. A new Coillte office was recently built in the Demense adjacent to the Galway road. Length of Trail: At Mountbellew Demesne you will find about 5 km of forest trails. Habitat: Coniferous forest with old oak woodland adjoining Mountbellew town. The Shevin River flows through the demesne and an artificial lake adjoins the plantation. Main Tree Species: The only remnants of early plantations are the oak plantation, and the elite stands of Sitka and Norway spruce. Later plantations include poplar, beech, Norway spruce, Sitka spruce, ash, Scots pine, Lawson cypress, Western hemlock, silver fir and Douglas fir. Other Flora: Ferns, reeds and mosses. Fauna: Deer, red squirrel, fox and badger. Birds include pheasant, woodcock, jays, tree creeper, kestrel, mallard, teal, duck and mute swan. Geology: Limestone rock with brown earth and grey soils.