Coole Park Nature Reserve: A Literary Haven
Explore the natural beauty and literary history of Coole Park Nature Reserve, once home to Lady Gregory and a haven for Irish writers.
Coole Park Nature Reserve in County Galway is a place where nature and literary history intertwine. Once the estate of Lady Augusta Gregory, a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, it was a gathering place for literary figures like W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. Today, visitors can explore woodlands, a walled garden with the famous Autograph Tree, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Irish countryside.
A brief summary to Coole Park Nature Reserve
- Gort, Coole Demesne, Co. Galway, H91 HF5X, IE
- +35391631804
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for enhanced viewing of the diverse birdlife around Coole Lough.
- Visit the Visitor Centre to learn about the park's history and literary connections.
- Take a walk along the nature trails to experience the serene landscape that inspired W.B. Yeats.
- Look for the Autograph Tree in the walled garden and see the initials of famous Irish writers.
Getting There
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Driving
Coole Park Nature Reserve is located approximately 4 km northwest of Gort, County Galway. From Galway City, take the N18 towards Limerick and exit for Gort. Follow the signs for Coole Park. The entrance is located at Coole Demesne. Free parking is available on-site.
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Public Transport
Take Bus Éireann Route 51 from Galway City to Gort. The bus fare is approximately €10. From Gort, you can take a taxi to Coole Park, which is about 4 km away. A taxi from Gort to Coole Park will cost approximately €10-€15.
Discover more about Coole Park Nature Reserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Coole Park
0.5 km
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Tyrone House
13.6 km
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Ó'Dálaigh Monument
18.0 km
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Oranmore Castle
20.6 km
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Parknabinnia Wedge Tomb
20.8 km
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Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
20.8 km
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Tobar a Chailigh Mhéara (Holy Well)
20.9 km
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Burren Hill Walks
20.9 km
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Ballyvaughan Pier
21.3 km
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Monks Ballyvaughan
21.4 km
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Poulawack Cairn
21.6 km
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Newtown Castle
22.2 km
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Burren National Park Information Point
22.3 km
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Western Tours and Tales
23.1 km
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Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren
23.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kiltartan Gregory Museum & Millennium Park
1.7 km
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Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower
4.4 km
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Kilmacduagh Abbey
6.0 km
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Burren Nature Sanctuary & Botanical Collection
7.3 km
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The Burren Nature Sanctuary
7.3 km
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Burren Yoga Retreat, Ireland
7.7 km
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Dunguaire Castle
8.1 km
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Kinvara
8.2 km
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Kinvara Harbour
8.4 km
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Kinvara Farmers' Market
8.4 km
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Rathbaun Farm
8.7 km
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Fiddaun Castle
9.5 km
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Burren Farm Experience
9.7 km
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Tarrea Pier
10.8 km
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Slieve Carran - Eagles Rock
10.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Connollys bar and Restaurant.
8.3 km
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Fox's of Kinvara
8.4 km
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The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant
8.5 km
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Cassidys Pub and Restaurant
17.2 km
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Linnane's Lobster Bar
17.4 km
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Raviolo Verde
20.0 km
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L'Arco Italian Restaurant
20.9 km
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Hylands Burren Hotel
20.9 km
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Bofey Quinns Bar & Restaurant
22.4 km
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Burren Fine Wine & Food
22.4 km
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Pepper's Bar & Restaurant
22.4 km
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Rúibín Bar & Restaurant
24.3 km
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Ground and Co.
24.4 km
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Ard Bia at Nimmos
24.4 km
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Bethlehem Galway
24.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Minihane's SuperValu Gort
3.4 km
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The Burren Flower Farm
10.0 km
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Clarenbridge Antiques
15.4 km
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Mise Tusa
15.5 km
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Burren Seafoods
17.4 km
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Quinn's Craftshop
20.9 km
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Orantown Centre
20.9 km
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Ivory Lane Boutique
21.0 km
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Galway Irish Crystal
22.8 km
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Briarhill Shopping Centre
24.2 km
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Planet Retro vintage
24.4 km
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The Bon Bon Summer Shop
24.4 km
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The Curiosity Shop, Merchant's Road, Galway
24.5 km
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Centra Salthill
24.5 km
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Natasha Heaslip Jewellery
24.5 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Greens Bar
8.3 km
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Keogh's Cafe, Restaurant, Kinvara
8.4 km
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The Burren Inn, Tubber
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Fogarty's Pub
17.6 km
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The Wild Atlantic Lodge
20.9 km
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The Fountain Bar
21.0 km
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O'Loclainn's Irish Whiskey Bar
21.0 km
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Shortts Bar & Lounge
22.4 km
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The Office
24.4 km
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The Oslo Bar
24.5 km
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Lonergan's Atlantic Bar
24.5 km
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Barnacles Seafood Bar & Restaurant
24.5 km
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O'Connor's Famous Pub
24.5 km
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Trends (Cullinanes Inn)
24.5 km
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The Quays Bar and Restaurant
24.5 km
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