Climb to Fleming's Castle
The ruin of a castle built in 1607 by Gerald Fleming stands at a strategic point above the deep gorge, reached by the path from the car park.
Dún a Rí Forest Park
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About
A wooded glen on the Cabra River, Dún a Rí Forest Park hides a 1607 castle ruin, an old ice house, a wishing well and a trail of carved animal sculptures among oak, ash and bluebells.
Things to Do
Find the wells and ruins
Make a wish at the old Wishing Well (Tobar na Splinne) and pass Sarah's Well, once the Pratt family's drinking-water source. The ruins of an ice house and the Old Military Barracks also sit beside the paths.
Walk the four waymarked trails
Four signposted routes lead out from the car park: the River Walk, Village Walk, Nature Trail and the accessible Yellow Walk. They thread through oak and ash woodland along the 'Romantic Glen' of the Cabra River.
Hunt the wood sculptures
A sculpture trail of carved animals made by woodcarver Joey Burns is hidden along the paths: the Irish Hare, Fox, Badger, Otter, Pine Marten, Frog and the Red Ghosts.
Cross Cromwell's Bridge
A high-arched bridge built during the Norman invasion in the 12th century spans the river. Just beyond it stood Cabra Village, a flax- and corn-mill community of about thirty houses demolished after 1760.
Picnic by the river
There is a picnic site and a playground near the car park, plus a waterfall and river walks to enjoy in the glen. Toilets are on site.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Car park opens 9am; closes 4.30pm in winter and 6pm in summer. Walkers can also enter the park on foot from Kingscourt.
- Parking: Paid car park, €5 per car, now cashless (card/contactless/app payments); a €40 Coillte annual Access Card is also valid. Free and paid street parking are available nearby.
- Food: No café on site — a picnic site is the only refreshment option. Nearby: Cabra Castle Hotel (2.4 km), Dún a Rí House Hotel and Paul Tobin and Murtagh's Bar in Kingscourt.
Getting Around
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