A 320-hectare former estate south of Monaghan town, with castle ruins, five fishing lakes, a giant sculpture trail and a big children's play park — all free to enter.
A walk through the historic heart of the former Rossmore estate, past the ruins of Rossmore Castle (demolished 1974), the old walled garden, a fish hatchery and reservoir. Only the castle buttresses and entrance stairway survive, but they make a fine viewpoint over the countryside.
An avenue of yew trees runs about 460 metres from the walled garden to the Rossmore family mausoleum and crypt. The most scenic route, the Priestfield Walk (roughly 3 km), follows this colonnade of yews past the crypt.
This trail leads to the park's lakes and watercourses — there are five fishing lakes within its bounds. Fishing requires permission from the local anglers club.
A tarmacadam track beside the car park runs past marked interpretive stops, with a tarmac path to a picnic area and a viewing point over Barnhill Lake. Walks range from 1 km to 8 km and several are suitable for wheelchair users.
A large play park for children and a giant sculpture trail are among the park's newest attractions, with more sculptures planned. It is described as the park's hidden gem.
Part of the forest has a cycle-friendly trail that forms part of a longer long-distance route.
Old estate trees survive, including Scots pine, cedars, a monkey puzzle and giant redwoods near the entry gates, plus extensive rhododendron and azalea plantings over a century old.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.