Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
The 10 Best Forests in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Ballybrack Woods, Ballyhooly Castle and Castleblagh Woods, Glengariff Woods, Courtown Woods, Ravensdale Forest, Glengarra Woods, Mullaghmeen Forest, Littlewood Forest, Townley Hall Wood, Donadea Forest Park.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. Ballybrack Woods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Ballyhooly Castle and Castleblagh Woods
3. Glengariff Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By morganoreilly72 - Dublin, Ireland
Beautiful and peaceful nature reserve. There is 4 or 5 different walks, all signposted ranging from gentle 2k one upwards to more difficult and longer walks. 2 minute drive outside the town. A must visit if you like nature/walking.
4. Courtown Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By nicolawhelan - Gorey, Ireland
Recently, Joe, Sammy and I went for a pleasant walk in Courtown Woods. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining. There were a few people about and we acknowledged them on our walk. We find it very relaxing and peaceful. The trees are lovely. I would recommend this place for all that visit as there’s a lot to see as there’s a hotel, a shop and the seafront nearby. There’s even crazy golf and a golf course nearby as well.
5. Ravensdale Forest
6. Glengarra Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
An Ancient Woodland
Reviewed By magsb0701 - County Tipperary, Ireland
This place is so relaxing. It's a great place to leave your dog's off for a run and wash in the river . They love it . A few more picnic tables wouldn't go astray.
7. Mullaghmeen Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By thisdrinkinglife - Basel, Switzerland
Luckily there was a break in the weather and we finally got a good day for a change. I wanted to start the County Top Challenge and I read that Westmeath's highest peak was in Mullaghmeen, through the Forest. It is 258 metres so its actually the lowest county top in Ireland. A good one to start with I think! The morning was lovely, and the walk through the forest was very relaxing. I brought the son and he loved it, a nice and gentle walk through the forest, with the sun shining through the trees, and the pathway very easy to navigate. We started out on the red route, which is the easiest and shortest of the three routes. It takes you through the forest in a loop back to the car park. The white loop is the longest, and goes right around the forest, and by all accounts is a long walk. The blue walk is the route you need if you want to do the county top, as it leads straight to the summit. I took this one after I was told by some locals that this is the one to take if you need to see the peak. I had started out on the red route so it was lucky I had met some people who put me right. I went up the peak myself, up a small gravel path that leads right to the top. Up there I got to see the surrounding hills and lakes (Lough Lene) of North Westmeath. On a lovely day with a clear blue sky it was a lovely scene in the fresh air, reinvigorating. I joined the gang back at the red route, they took a break waiting for me near the famine grave garden. Overall we spent about an hour and a bit and it was a very enjoyable time walking through the forest. And I got my first county top achieved. One down, 25 more to do! (some counties share peaks!)
8. Littlewood Forest
9. Townley Hall Wood
10. Donadea Forest Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 106 reviews
Donadea Castle and estate was the old home of the Aylmer family up until 1935 when the last member of the family Miss Caroline died. It is a National Heritage Area. There are many historical features including the remains of the castle and walled gardens, St. Peter’s church, an ice house and boat house. The Lime tree avenue planted in the 19th century formed the original entrance to the estate. Another feature of the park is the 9/11 Memorial, a scaled replica of the twin towers carved in limestone. The small lake is brimming with ducks, water-hens and has a beautiful display of water lilies in the summer. There is a café open weekends and during school holidays.
Reviewed By Starlight2019
I cannot recommend Donadea Forest Park highly enough. I have been a regular visitor to the Forest for over a decade. It is a fantastic place for a stroll, a walk, a ramble or a run. Very child friendly, I have been bringing my children there since they were a few days old. Plenty to explore, follow the paths or go off trail, walk around the lake or through the forest, bring the buggy, bring a ball, bring the dog, bring a picnic or treat yourself at the cafe. Stay for half an hour or all day. There is great work being undertaken within the Forest at the moment, with pathways being resurfaced, making them more buggy friendly, new paths being opened and new fencing surrounding the car park. Definitely worth a visit, all year round - be sure to wear suitable footwear! The five euro gate charge is coin only or go for the Coillte Annual Pass card, great value at thirty-five euro for 12 months of unlimited access to Donadea and other Coillte parks. Enjoy!
