Walking Trails
Four signposted walks — Nature Trail, Village Walk, River Walk and the accessible Access for All Trail — each roughly 1.5–2 km long. Routes follow the Cabra River through oak and ash woodland, passing bluebell carpets in spring.
Dún a Rí Forest Park
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About
A 565-acre forest park steeped in Irish legend, where castle ruins, wooden sculptures and a dramatic river gorge reward explorers of all ages — just 2 km from Kingscourt.
Things to Do
Historical Ruins
Explore Fleming's Castle (built 1607, perched above the gorge), the 12th-century Norman Cromwell's Bridge, the Ice House, Cabra Cottage ruins, and the Old Military Barracks — all within the park.
Wooden Sculpture Trail
Spot seven whimsical chainsaw-carved animal sculptures by artist Joey Burns dotted through the forest: the Irish Hare, Fox, Badger, Otter, Pine Marten, Frog and the Red Ghosts.
The Wishing Well & Sarah's Well
Tobar na Splinne (the Wishing Well) has drawn visitors for centuries as a likely Holy Well. Nearby Sarah's Well once supplied drinking water to the Pratt family — famed for its coldness and purity.
Waterfall & the Romantic Glen
The Cabra River cuts a deep, wooded gorge the full length of the park — known as the Romantic Glen. A waterfall near the river is one of the park's most photographed spots.
Picnic & Playground
Picnic benches are scattered near the car park and a children's playground makes this a popular family day out. Bring bread for the ducks on Lady's Lake.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Car park opens 9am year-round. Closes 4:30pm (winter) / 6:00pm (summer). Pedestrian access possible outside these hours from Kingscourt.
- Admission: No admission fee — parking €5 per car
- Parking: €5 per car, cashless only — credit/debit card or app-based payment (no coins accepted). Annual pass holders use the QR code system.
- Food: No café on site. Cabra Castle Hotel (500 m up the R179 towards Carrickmacross) serves lunch and afternoon tea. Dún a Rí House Hotel and Murtagh's Bar in Kingscourt town (2 km).
Getting Around
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