As well as a fab dog walk place, the forest here is steeped in history. 800 English troops were ambushed in the valley during the 16th century Battle of Glenmalure - their attackers had hidden in the trees and taken advantage of their local knowledge of the tough terrain to spring the deadly trap on the English.    The disused mine before the car park was operational in the 19th century, producing lead ore. Nowadays it's a much more tranquil spot.