Donadea Forest Park is situated in northwest Kildare and comprises of approximately 243 hectares of mixed woodland. It is managed by Coillte the Irish Forestry Service and was the home of the Anglo-Norman Aylmer family who occupied the castle (now in ruins) from 1550 to 1935.
There are many historical features including the remains of the castle, walled gardens, church, tower, ice house, boat house and Lime Tree Avenue. There is also a 2.3-hectare lake with ducks and other birds and a wonderful display of water-lilies in the summer. Walled streams form part of the drainage of the park.
With a choice of nature trails and different forest walks, including the 5km Aylmer loop and wheelchair accessible Lake Walk, this is a superb amenity for a family day out. After your walk, relax with a hot drink and tasty snack in the café in the forest park. The forest park also contains the 9/11 Memorial inspired by the memory of Sean Tallon, a young fire fighter, whose family had emigrated from Donadea.
There is a €5 charge to access the car park.