What happened to the Irish forests?

I'm here with what may be a very stupid question to some and unsure which forum to place it in.

Basically, I'm a clueless American living in Ireland for some years - and I want to understand how Ireland became so bare, treeless compared to the new world.

Was this the English cutting them down or is that far too simplistic?

All that peat must have come from somewhere - were there once great forests?

Also what were the trees of the original forests? I guess they were mainly deciduous - but I'm particularly curious about _the Scots Pine_ - which I believe was native here.

Were there once forests of scots pines or other conifers?

If anyone can tell me anything or give me a good link I'd be grateful. Not getting far with Google.

Many thanks!