Deerpark Forest

4.8 (606)

About

A 160-hectare Coillte forest on the edge of Virginia, where easy waymarked trails thread old broadleaf woodland and follow the shores of Lough Ramor.

Things to Do

Lough Ramor Loop

The forest's longest walk, about 4.2 km (roughly an hour, graded easy), runs along the park river and the shores of Lough Ramor. Locally it also forms a 5.5 km Slí na Sláinte route starting and finishing at the forest entrance.

Golden Way Heritage Trail

A 2.1 km easy loop (about an hour) linking the best of the forest's built heritage: Toberpatrick well, Lady's Cottage, the Castle boathouse and the stone and metal bridges, through biodiverse broadleaf woodland.

Multi-Access Trail

A 1.1 km trail built to multi-access standard runs from the car park to the stone bridge across the park river. It is the best choice for wheelchairs and buggies, as some of the narrower river and lake paths are not buggy-suitable.

Old woodland and biodiversity

The 160 ha forest mixes broadleaf, conifer and mixed woodland of varying ages, some planted by the Marquis of Headfort over a century ago, with a large portion managed for biodiversity and a rich understory.

Family walk and picnic

The main wider paths are flat and forgiving, making this a good first walk for small children. Bring a picnic, wellies and a raincoat, as tracks can be muddy after rain.

Nearby Virginia town

The forest sits just outside Virginia, where you will find cafés, pubs and restaurants, plus Virginia Golf Course, the Ramor Theatre and the Lough Ramor shoreline.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open all year with no gate or set closing time — the forest is described as "always open to guests and non-guests alike". Coillte may close car parks and recreation sites at short notice in heavy snow or ice.
Admission: Free — Coillte operates an open forest policy, so there is no admission charge.
Parking: Free car park beside Virginia Rugby Club on the Ballyjamesduff Road (R194) just outside Virginia; free street parking is also reported.
Food: No café or shop on site, so bring a picnic and take rubbish home. The nearest food and drink are in Virginia town about 1 km away, including Willows Café and The Riverfront Bar & Restaurant.

Getting Around