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Donadea Forest Park: A Blend of History and Nature

Discover history and nature in County Kildare's Donadea Forest Park: trails, castle ruins, a serene lake, and a 9/11 memorial await.

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Donadea Forest Park, located in County Kildare, offers a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Explore castle ruins, serene woodlands, a picturesque lake, and a poignant 9/11 memorial, all within a sprawling parkland that once belonged to the Aylmer family.

A brief summary to Donadea Forest Park

Local tips

  • Explore the historical features, including the castle ruins, walled gardens, and St. Peter's Church, to delve into the area's past.
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, enjoying the water lilies in summer and feeding the ducks.
  • Walk one of the three looped trails, choosing the Lake Walk for an accessible option or the Aylmer Walk for a longer route.
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial, a scaled replica of the Twin Towers, which serves as a poignant reminder of the past.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Donadea Forest Park is located approximately 8 km south of Kilcock and 13 km north of Naas on the Kilcock Road. From Dublin, take the M4 motorway and exit for Kilcock. Follow the R407 towards Donadea. The park is well signposted. Parking is available on-site for a €5 fee, payable via contactless payment card or online payment app. Note that coins are no longer accepted. During peak times, expect potential delays upon entry due to the park's popularity.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't a direct public transportation route to Donadea Forest Park, you can take a train from Dublin to Maynooth, and then take a taxi to the park. Irish Rail operates trains from Dublin Connolly to Maynooth every 30 minutes; a ticket costs approximately €3-€5. The journey takes about 44 minutes. From Maynooth, a taxi to Donadea Forest Park will cost approximately €20-€30.

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Discover more about Donadea Forest Park

Donadea Forest Park, situated in northwest County Kildare, encompasses approximately 243 hectares (600 acres) of mixed woodland. Managed by Coillte, the Irish Forestry Service, the park was once part of the Aylmer family estate, who resided in Donadea Castle from 1550 to 1935. Today, visitors can explore the historical remnants of the estate, including the castle ruins, walled gardens, St. Peter's Church, an ice house, and a boat house. Avenues of lime trees, planted in the 19th century, mark the original entrance to the estate. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. Three looped walking trails cater to different fitness levels: the Lake Walk (0.8 km, accessible to all), the Nature Trail (1.6 km, easy), and the Aylmer Walk (5.7 km, easy). The lake is a prominent feature, teeming with ducks, waterhens, and water lilies in the summer. A 9/11 Memorial, a scaled replica of the Twin Towers carved in limestone, stands as a tribute to Sean Tallon, a firefighter with family roots in Donadea. Donadea's history stretches back to the early Christian period, with the 'Sligh Mór,' one of Ireland's five ancient roads, passing through the area. The Aylmer family played a significant role in the region, and their legacy is visible throughout the park. After the last Aylmer, Caroline, died in 1935, the property was sold to the State, and in 1981, it was opened as a public forest park. Donadea Forest Park is a designated National Heritage Area. Visitors can enjoy a café that is open throughout the year. The park provides a blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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