Coole Park Nature Reserve: A Literary Haven and Natural Sanctuary
Discover the natural beauty and literary history of Coole Park Nature Reserve, once a haven for Ireland's greatest writers, near Gort, County Galway.
Coole Park Nature Reserve, near Gort, Co. Galway, is a 1,000-acre sanctuary of woodlands, wetlands, and literary history. Once home to Lady Gregory, a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, it hosted literary giants like W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and John Millington Synge. Explore the grounds, discover the Autograph Tree, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that inspired a literary revival.
A brief summary to Coole Park Nature Reserve
- Gort, Coole Demesne, Co. Galway, H91 HF5X, IE
- +35391631804
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
Local tips
- Explore the two marked trails: the 1.75km Family Trail and the 4.5km Seven Woods Trail, each offering unique views and historical insights.
- Visit the Autograph Tree in the walled garden, where you can find the carved initials of famous Irish writers like W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.
- Stop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the park's history, ecology, and literary connections through exhibitions and audio-visual presentations.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings, or visit the tearooms (open seasonally) for home-baked goods, lunches and snacks.
- Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for walking on woodland paths, which may have tree roots and uneven surfaces.
Getting There
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Driving
Coole Park Nature Reserve is located approximately 4 km northwest of Gort, Co. Galway. From Galway City, take the N18 road south towards Limerick. Exit at junction 16 for Gort. Follow signs for Coole Park. The entrance is located at Coole Demesne. Free parking is available on-site.
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Public Transport
To reach Coole Park via public transport, take Bus Éireann route 51, 349 or 434 from Galway City to Gort. The bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes, with tickets costing between €6 and €17. From Gort, Coole Park is approximately 4 km away. You can take a taxi from Gort to Coole Park, which 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
11.3 km
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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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