Enjoy the Colours of Autumn in Donadea Park

A stunning park just outside Dublin

Donadea Forest Park is situated in northwest Kildare, less than 30 miles from Dublin, and is approximately 640 acres in size.

Donadea Castle and the estate were home to the Aylmer family up until 1935 when the last member of the family Miss Caroline died. The park and forest are a National Heritage Area.

Donadea Forest Park has many historical features that include the remains of the castle and walled gardens, St. Peter’s church, an ice house, and boathouse.

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, waterhens and has a beautiful display of water lilies in the summer.

There is a cafe open throughout the year where you can grab coffee’s teas and snacks. There are musical instruments and toys around the cafe to let the kids have fun while you relax with a warm drink. There are three looped walking trails in the forest park that cater to all abilities.

The Lake Walk is 0.8 km long and takes 30 minutes to complete. The Lake walk is a lovely looped walk around the lake and can be accessed by all, and you can feed the ducks along the way.

The Nature Trail is 1.6 km long and takes one hour to complete. This trail winds its way through some of the man-made elements in the park from the estate era and takes in a short shrubbery trail along the way.

The longest of the walks, the Aylmer trail is 5.7 km long and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. This trail takes you all around the park and is also an “Slí na Slainte” trail so it is good for your health and your heart.

Donadea park also has 3 permanent orienteering courses, Short (1.8 km), Medium (3.4 km) and Long (4.6 km). This fun activity combines running and walking with navigation. Select a route and use a map to guide you to dedicated control points, making your way through different terrains along the way. The winner is the person who completes the course in the fastest time.

After your time you can visit the town of Clane which is close by for some lunch.

Price: €5 car park fee (automatic barries must be paid in coins)

Opening hours: April - September 7 am to 9 pm, October - March 8 am - 5 pm

Official Website: Donadea Park

Email: info@coillte.ie

Phone Number: +353 1890367378

Google map location: Donadea Forest Park