Barna Woods, County Galway Travel Guide

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Escape to Barna Woods: Galway's serene woodland offering tranquil trails, diverse wildlife, and a touch of ancient history.

Barna Woods, a mixed broadleaf woodland near Galway city, offers a serene escape with picturesque trails and diverse flora and fauna. Once part of a larger forest, it holds historical and ecological significance, providing a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Barna Woods

Cappagh Rd, Galway, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Barna Woods.

Wear appropriate footwear, as some areas may be challenging and the trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the beauty of the woods and for safety.
Parking is limited at the main entrance; consider arriving early or using nearby parking at Cappagh Park or Rusheen City Park.
Bring doggie bags if you plan to bring your dog.

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Explore Barna Woods on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Barna Woods, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Eyre Square in Galway city, take the City Direct bus line 412 towards Barna. The bus departs every 30 minutes, and the journey to Páirc na Ceapaí takes approximately 20 minutes. From there, it's a short walk to Barna Woods. A single bus fare costs between €2 and €4.
Walking

From the Barna Road (R336), Barna Woods is accessible via a small car park. Alternatively, you can access the woods from Cappagh Park, located in Knocknacarra. From Barna church, you can walk to the 'hole in the wall' on the corner of Barna Woods. Note that the trails may be mucky when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Taxi

A taxi from Eyre Square in Galway City to Barna Woods takes approximately 11 minutes and costs between €15 and €19. Note that there is a small car park at the entrance of the park, but there are other car parks nearby.

Discover more about Barna Woods

Barna Woods, located a short distance from Galway city, provides a peaceful and scenic escape. This broadleaf woodland park features picturesque trails and a tranquil atmosphere. The woods are a remnant of ancient oak woodlands that once covered much of the region. Its history dates back to the prehistoric era, providing resources and shelter to early inhabitants. In the 19th century, the Blake family acquired the land and established Barna House, planting various tree species. Today, managed by the Galway City Council, Barna Woods is a popular destination for recreation, conservation, and education. The well-maintained paths cater to different fitness levels, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.Barna Woods is home to a variety of native trees, including oak, ash, birch, holly, hazel, and willow, as well as diverse wildlife like birds, squirrels, foxes, badgers, and bats. Within the woods lies Saint Enda's Well, a site of cultural heritage dating back to the 5th/6th century, still used for prayer and contemplation. According to legend, the holy well, Tobar Eanna, marks the spot where St. Edna rested on his way to the Aran Islands in the 5th century, where a well appeared as he prayed.