We went a few years ago to Ireland by plane and rented a car. We visited at first the west coast. Galway, Croagh Saint Patrick's and then up North.
We made a long walk in the fields near New port. We walked and walked with only the wind and sheeps around us.
We liked it there. We noticed little grey trees in the peat fields.
Then suddenly a car came
A friendly man said 'howdie' to us. and he stopped the car.
His dog was sitting inside and sniffled.
We asked him about the little grey trees, maybe here was once a forest?
"Yes". was al the man said .
"But how long ago was that," we asked.
"Well" he said thinking,"a few years ago" .
We talked a short time about the peat and he friendly explained that the villagers where owner of the peat and the sheep.
I wasn't satisfied with his answer about the trees. They pulverized when you touched it.
So I asked him how long ago there was a forest.
He was thinking again and said "Ïn the Stone Age".