Oak Park Forest Park is part of former Oak Park estate, which was the home of the Bruen Family from 1775 to 1957. In 1960 the estate was divided among many small holders and the Agricultural Institute. Today, Teagasc (the Agriculture and Food Development Authority) has its headquarters here, carrying out research, training and advisory services to the agricultural sector. A considerable portion of the park is established woodland and Teagasc has given 127 acres of forestry parkland as a recreational, community and amenity facility - open for the public to explore and enjoy.
Four short walks have been developed in the park with informal leisure areas, picnic sites and viewing facilities of the lakes. A 1.5km ‘wheelway’, capturing the amenity of the Lake, Picnic and Butlers Wood beauty spots, gives access to wheelchair users. This Oak Park loop incorporates all four short walks.
A-B. Starting from the mapboard at the car park, follow the purple arrow on to the boardwalk. Continue for 150m to reach a sandy roadway where you turn right following the purple arrow and signpost for Butler’s Wood Walk. After 30m the Butler’s Wood Walk turns right onto a boardwalk - you continue straight here. Approximately 100m farther on another boardwalk on the left marks the start of the Lake Walk.
Trail details
- Type:
- Walking Trail
- Location:
- Carlow
- Grade:
- Easy
- Format:
- Loop
- Length:
- 3.60km
- Ascent:
- 120m
- Dogs allowed:
- Yes
Time:1.5 hours
Nearest town start:Carlow Town
Nearest town finish:Carlow Town
Start point:Oak Park Forest Park car park
Finish point:Oak Park Forest Park car park
Waymarking:Purple arrow on yellow background
Facilities:Car park
