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
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The Burren Nature Sanctuary
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Burren Farm Experience
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Tyrone House
13.6 km
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Corcomroe Abbey
14.9 km
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Ó'Dálaigh Monument
18.0 km
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Oranmore Castle
20.6 km
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Tobar a Chailigh Mhéara (Holy Well)
20.9 km
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Monks Ballyvaughan
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Poulawack Cairn
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Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren
23.2 km
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Athenry Heritage Centre
23.8 km
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Aran Island Ferries Departure Point
24.1 km
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Galway Docks
24.1 km
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The Irish Dance Experience
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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
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Burren Nature Sanctuary & Botanical Collection
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Burren Yoga Retreat, Ireland
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Dunguaire Castle
8.1 km
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Kinvara Harbour
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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Tarrea Pier
10.8 km
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Slieve Carran - Eagles Rock
10.9 km
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Hidden Burren Walks
13.8 km
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Peak of Burren
14.5 km
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Hazel Mountain Chocolate
14.5 km
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The Burren Perfumery
15.0 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
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Bethlehem Galway
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Minihane's SuperValu Gort
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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
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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
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The Bon Bon Summer Shop
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The Curiosity Shop, Merchant's Road, Galway
24.5 km
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Centra Salthill
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Natasha Heaslip Jewellery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Greens Bar
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Keogh's Cafe, Restaurant, Kinvara
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The Burren Inn, Tubber
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Fogarty's Pub
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The Wild Atlantic Lodge
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The Fountain Bar
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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
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Barnacles Seafood Bar & Restaurant
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O'Connor's Famous Pub
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Trends (Cullinanes Inn)
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The Quays Bar and Restaurant
24.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kudos Nightclub
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Róisín Dubh
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Club Arus na nGael
24.6 km
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DNA
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Electric Galway
24.7 km
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Ireland's Smallest Comedy Club
24.7 km
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Cuba Galway
24.7 km
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Ecstatic Ireland
25.5 km
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Vaughan's Pub
28.0 km
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Club Red | Ennis' Newest Nightclub
28.9 km
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Queens Teenage
29.1 km
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Nora Culligans
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The Diamond Bar
29.4 km
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Lucas Bar
29.4 km
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Eugene's Bar
34.9 km
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