Staycations 2025: Forest walks to lift your soul

Irish Examiner

06-06-2025

It's been said that centuries ago, a squirrel could travel from one end of Ireland to the other without ever touching the ground, as more than 80% of the land was covered by trees. Sadly, we now are one of the least forested countries in Europe.
Trees are powerful when it comes to promoting wellbeing and a walk in nature provides respite to daily stresses. Thankfully there are still lots of parks and woodlands to visit, it might take a little more planning to get there. We have chosen nine great forest parks to make a day of it this summer.
Remnants of Rossmore Park's estate can be found throughout the forest and grounds, such as the buttresses of the castle, the walled garden and the Yew Avenue. And there are many miles and variations of walks one can take through the Scots pine, Cedars and Monkey trees of Rossmore.
A large play area featuring double zipline, swings, climbing frames, hammocks and see saws is a boon for youngsters. Follow up lots of activity with a picnic and then a treasure hunt through the forest. Little ones can look for carved animals along the way, as well as some sleeping wooden giants, with heads popping up around the lake and through the trees, causing much excitement! Tell creepy tales at the mausoleum or keep an eye out for otters, badgers, fox, hedgehogs and pigmy shrews.
Staying in Ulster, Glenveagh National Park in Donegal is mountainous, with lakes and rugged walking trails but also has woodland that is home to many native species of trees including Oak, Birch and Holly, as well as more rare trees such as Yew, Aspen and Bird Cherry.
Red deer roam freely here, and the walks range from lakeside for those looking for something manageable to steeper mountain paths for the more intrepid. Trails are well marked but always heed the warnings to come well prepared and check weather before setting off on a more adventurous hike. For something gentler, see the Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh and enjoy a picnic near the lake.
Avondale Forest Park is situated within the Garden of Ireland and for this reason you can expect lush greenery all around. The focal point is however the newly built Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, which overlooks and offers impressive views of much of those gorgeous Wicklow surrounds. Stroll at a very slight acclivity along 1.4km of wooden walkway as you make your way to the top, taking in the Yew, Larch, Fir, Oak, Spruce, as well as Giant Redwood trees along the spiral loop.
Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family.
Children's play areas, and interactive learning make this a fun experience for young and old. However little members of your group will be thrilled to find a rather ingenious if not hair-raising route to the bottom, a gigantic slide, tickets for which can be bought as an add on. Those less interested in thrill seeking can take a more leisurely pace, back the way they came.
Gougane Barra in Cork offers up 339 acres of rugged, wild scenery. Sitting in a valley on the edge of the Sheehy mountains, this place is ideal for hiking and to really switch off. Breath in the freshest air along the six walking trails including Slí an Ghaorthaidh which takes 30 minutes up to the more strenuous Slí na Sléibhe which takes about two hours. Do bring a picnic and supplies as there is no café on site and you'll find this place a real retreat from the stresses of modern life.
Situated in the southwest of County Kerry is Killarney National Park, where you can check out those world-famous lakes, as well as mountains, waterfalls and forest.
This park has a wide diversity of habitats including ponds, bogs, heath, grassland and rock, making Killarney National Park home to several species that are unique not only to Ireland but to the National Park itself. These include White Tailed Sea Eagle, Kingfisher, Red Deer and Ireland's only native reptile the Viviparous lizard. Walks take in historic sites like Muckross House and there are boat rides and horse carriages to be enjoyed too.
Muckross and Torc Forest is a popular area within Killarney National Park, offering scenic trails, waterfalls, and historical attractions.
Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family. The trails around Curragh Chase will suit both the more casual walker and those looking for a little more stride. There is plenty of wildlife including deer and Red squirrel. It's not so remote and it great for kids to explore with loops that are clearly marked. The de Vere's put together a large collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world which really is worth checking out as well as the Yew woodland and the bats who reside in the old house.
Slieve Bloom Mountains and Forest Park in Laois/Offaly features one of the largest continuous areas of upland blanket bog and thick forest in Ireland. Among its many features are the Glenbarrow Waterfall, Ridge of Capard, as well as long hiking routes for those in need of quiet solitude. Bring snacks as you won't find truck stop coffee here but it's the perfect place to get away from crowds and walk for hours in peace and not meet another human. It's a gem for those seeking silence, space, and fresh mountain air. It's also an ideal place for the avid birdwatcher, with spring and summer the best times to visit.
Donadea Forest Park is compact and perfect for a short visit at any time of year. The castle and estate are the former home of the Aymler family and there are many lovely features to view at the park including St Peter's Church, the boat house and icehouse. There is a lake filled with ducks, waterhens and lilies, with picnic areas close by. There is even a 9/11 memorial carved in limestone. The café is open year-round, perfect for some refreshments after the Lake Walk or the longer Aymler Walk which will take you all around the park. There are also three permanent orienteering courses, short (1.8 km), medium (3.4 km) and long (4.6 km).
In Galway, covering around 450 hectares is Portumna Park which mixes forested land with lakeside. An old abbey dates back to the 15th century and the nearby castle, which was once the seat of the Earl of Clanrickarde, has had considerable restoration work carried out on it. Made up mainly of coniferous woodland, there are smatterings of semi-natural woodland including Ash and Beech with Silver Birch along the lake shore. Red squirrels are frequently spotted in woodland areas and there is a large number of Fallow deer too.