Curraghchase Forest Park

Forest Park

Curraghchase Forest Park is a fantastic amenity for all the family to enjoy. The Park covers 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, park land and lakes which together provide a rich habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants.

There are a number of looped way marked trails in the park to suit all visitors. They vary from the multi-access trails suitable for wheelchair users and family walkers to the longer Curragh and Glenisca trails suitable for those looking for more demanding walking and cycling options.

Opening: Gates close automatically at 9pm summer time and 6pm winter time. It is recommended that you check gate closure times when visiting the Park.

Admission: Pay barrier €5 per car.

Trails

There are a number of trails in the park varying from multi-access trails suitable for wheelchair users and family walkers to the longer Curragh and Glenisca trails suitable for those looking for more demanding walking.

Glenisca Walking Trail

The Glenisca Trail is a multi-use walking and cycling trail to suit occasional walkers and cyclists. It has generally low gradient, some uneven surfaces with some loose stones and features such as protruding roots, dips and hollows and is narrow in places.

The trail leaves the Curragh Trail loop and brings you through mature broadleaf and conifer forest, passing an old cave and impressive limestone cliff walls. The trail rounds Glenisca Lough which has a fluctuating water table from Winter to Summer. The trail passes through an old Yew woodland habitat currently being restored. Some of the massive Yew trees are a hundred of years old and are visible from the trail. [sc

Curragh Walking Trail

The Curragh Trail is a multi-use walking and cycling trail to suit occasional walkers and cyclists. It has generally low gradient, reasonably smooth surfaces with some loose stones and protruding roots and can be narrow in places.

The trail leaves the Lake Trail and brings you through mature broadleaf and conifer forest, following old estate drives for a while. The trail is under the tree canopy for most of its length and is reasonably sheltered.

Lake Trail

The Lake Trail is a multi-access trail designed to give every visitor an opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and smells of nature up close.

The trail surface allows users of all abilities to access the park and features wide sections of smooth forest road and trail. Wheelchair users, kids on bikes with stabilisers and family groups on foot or bike can equally enjoy this loop. Starting from the car park, follow the white way markers to bring you to the left along a forest road.

Cross over the weir which was constructed to maintain a high water level in the lake before turning right to bring you onto the lakeside path.

There are benches along the lake to allow you to take a break and admire the grandeur of the old house or to feed the ducks! Remember to take care near the water’s edge! Cross onto Lady’s Island by the 2 bridges before returning to the car-park

Arboretum Trail

The Arboretum Trail offers an opportunity to stroll through the old arboretum of Curragh Chase and see the many trees that grow in the south west of the country.

Visitors to Ireland may be surprised at the diverse range of trees we can grow but of course our secret is the warm air and sea currents that cross the Atlantic on the Gulf stream. The de Vere family put together an extensive collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world.

We have constructed a new trail that will guide you close to some of these great trees and we have also provided “signal signs” which allow you to learn more about the individual trees.

The trail can be walked in about 20 minutes but you should allow 40 minutes to an hour to read about and admire these beautiful trees.
 

Orienteering

A permanent orienteering course has been laid out in Curragh Chase with controls spread out across the Park. This is a great way to see Curragh Chase while keeping fit and honing your navigation skills.
 

Arboretum

The de Vere’s put together an extensive and wonderful collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world. Whilst exploring the arboretum area, keep an eye out for the pet cemetery.

Caravan & Camping:

Curragh Chase Caravan & Camp site is located within the Park itself and is truly special caravan and camping site; wonderfully spacious, perfectly placed and incredibly enticing. For more info and bookings check www.curraghchasecaravanpark.com.

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