Mac Manus Estate: A Woodland Sanctuary

4.9 (9)

Discover a tranquil woodland escape near Donegal Town, featuring scenic trails and unique wood sculptures in a historic estate.

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Mac Manus Estate

Mac Manus Estate, near Donegal Town, is a serene woodland offering walking trails and unique wood carvings. Once a private estate, it's now open to the public, providing a peaceful retreat with natural beauty and local art.

A brief summary to Mac Manus Estate

Donegal, Rossylongan, IE

Local tips

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to catch the morning sunlight filtering through the trees.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on forest trails to fully enjoy the park's beauty.
Bring a camera to capture the unique wood carvings and breathtaking scenery throughout the estate.

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Getting There

Walking

From Donegal Town center, the Mac Manus Estate is approximately a 2.5km walk. Head towards Killybegs and turn left towards Donegal Town Rugby Club/Holmes Beach. Continue until you see a stone wall on your left, running alongside a housing development. Take the left turn immediately after the wall, and follow that road until you see the entrance to the estate. There are no specific entrance fees or tolls for accessing the estate.
Public Transport

Local Link Donegal provides bus services in the County. Check the Local Link Donegal website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to Rossylongan. From the bus stop in Rossylongan, it is a short walk to the Mac Manus Estate. Bus fares vary depending on the route, but a short trip within the area typically costs around €3.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Donegal Town. A taxi from the town center to Mac Manus Estate will cost approximately €14.50, with a base fare of €5.0 EUR and €1.9 EUR per KM. Taxi services can be requested via the Uber app or local taxi services.

Discover more about Mac Manus Estate

Mac Manus Estate, a hidden gem in County Donegal, invites visitors to explore its tranquil beauty. Located just 2.5km from Donegal Town, the estate was once part of lands granted to John Murray by James I. In the early 20th century, Padraig Mac Manus transformed the property, extending the house, developing a walled garden, planting an orchard, and engaging in extensive tree planting. In the 1980s, the estate was bequeathed to the people of Donegal Town and passed to Coillte, with the wish that the public would have access and enjoyment of the grounds. Today, the estate features walking trails enhanced with wooden sculptures and picnic areas, thanks to collaborations between Coillte and the Friends of Rossylongan Forest group. These hand-carved sculptures add a unique character to the landscape, narrating local stories and providing memorable experiences. The estate offers a peaceful retreat with well-maintained paths suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, appreciate the biodiversity, and enjoy the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. The old Mac Manus house and outbuildings, though closed off for safety reasons, echo a different time and add to the estate's charm. The MacManus Estate is ideal for peaceful walks, family outings, and picnics, offering a rejuvenating connection with Donegal's countryside.