National and Forest Parks

Castlecomer Discovery Park is a wonderful 80 acre discovery park and visitor centre, located at Castlecomer Demesne and Estate Yard, in County Kilkenny. It is a place to escape and reconnect with nature, to discover more about our coalmining heritage and contemporary craft, and to explore an abundance of things to do in magical woodland surroundings.

The grounds consist of mixed woodland, on the banks of the River Deen, which was once part of the old Wandesforde Estate. There are numerous activities and attractions including the Tree Top Adventure Walk, a 140 metre walk through the beautiful riverside trees 10 metres above ground level. Discover the richness and diversity of the areas local history and science through exploration of the intriguing indoor multi-media experience ‘Footprints in Coal’ and engaging outdoor activities.

Enjoy the thrill of catching rainbow trout on either the fly or bait lakes. Whether a beginner or an expert fisherman, you can try your luck at Castlecomer Lakes; these two well stocked lakes in a mature woodland environment provide the complete fishing experience.

Castlecomer Discovery Park hosts an exciting and varied programme of inspirational workshops to allow you discover your creative side. And for crafty shoppers, there are craftspeople who create and sell direct from their craft workshops housed in the former farmyard and stable yard buildings.

The woodlands also play host to 6km of themed woodland walks and a number of wooden sculptures. Twelve sculptures were created within the woodland, each designed to blend in with surroundings and five of the sculptures can be found scattered throughout the woodlands.

The park itself is free to visit and perfect for a family day out, with its walking trails, woodland sculptures and many things to see and do throughout the year in our extensive events calendar.