Deerpark Forest

4.8 (606)

About

A 160-hectare Coillte woodland just outside Virginia where easy, well-maintained loops follow the park river and the shores of Lough Ramor, past ruined cottages, a castle boathouse and old stone and steel bridges.

Things to Do

Lough Ramor Loop

A 4.2 km easy circular trail (about one hour) that follows the park river out to the shores of Lough Ramor. Mostly flat, tree-lined paths make it the pick for a relaxed family stroll or run.

Golden Way Heritage Trail

A 2.1 km easy loop through the oldest broadleaf woodland (some trees planted over 100 years ago by the Marquis of Headfort) with a rich understorey of holly. It links the forest's best heritage spots: Toberpatrick well, Lady's Cottage, Castle boat house and the metal and stone bridges.

Multi-access trail

A 1.1 km wheelchair- and buggy-friendly route from the car park to the stone bridge across the park river. This is the most accessible way in for anyone with limited mobility.

Virginia Slí na Sláinte

The 5.5 km circular Slí na Sláinte route starts and ends at the forest entrance car park off the Ballyjamesduff Road, passing Virginia Golf Club and skirting the Lough Ramor shoreline. Recommended as a daytime-only route; walkable in either direction.

Saturday parkrun

A free, volunteer-run 5 km parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9:30 am, one lap of a forest-path loop starting near the rugby club. Register once at parkrun.ie and bring a printed barcode; dogs on a short lead and buggies welcome.

Picnics by the river

Benches and picnic tables are dotted along the paths, and the river gives a calm backdrop for a break. Take rubbish home and keep dogs on a lead.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open every day, year-round; free access at all times. Trails are recommended as daytime routes only.
Admission: Free — open-access public forest, no entry ticket.
Parking: Free car park at the forest entrance off the Ballyjamesduff Road (R194), beside the trail start. On parkrun mornings, free parking is available in Virginia Rugby Club car park until 10:30 am (the entrance is at the rear of that car park).
Food: No café on site. Virginia town, about 1 km away, has Willows Café, The Riverfront Bar & Restaurant, Eastern Tandoori and PEKING Virginia.

Getting Around