 |
Oak Park Forest Park
Part of former Oak Park estate, once the home of the Bruen Family from 1775 to 1957 is now a 127 acre Oak Park Forest Park which is free for everybody to explore and enjoy.
In 1960 the Land Commission bought the estate and divided a portion of the land among many small holders while the rest including the house was given to the Agricultural Institute to develop a research centre. In 1988 it was replaced by Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, which is responsible for the provision of research, training and advisory services to the agricultural sector. Oak Park is the headquaters of Teagasc who operate from over one hundred locations throughout Ireland.
The new Oak Park Forest & Lake Walks complete with boardwalk. Photo Carlow County Museum.
A considerable portion of the Oak Park Estate is established woodland and to provide access to this Teagasc have given 127 acres of forestry parkland to the people of Carlow. Carlow Local Authorities in assoation with Teagasc has developed this woodland as a recreational, community and amenity facility
Views of the new Forest Walks. Photos Carlow County Museum.
The Park is a mature mixed species woodland with a predominance of Beech, Ash, Scots Pine, Larch and considerable regeneration of broadleaf trees (especially Ash / Sycamore). The woodland has an extensive range of ferns, mosses and woodland flora. The Lakes and their surrounds provide a habitat for swans and ducks, while the islands shelter many wild and game birds. The Woodland Walks extend over 4 kilometres including Butlers Wood Loop (700m), Lake Path (800m), Fox Covert Track (1100m) and Sally Island Trail (1700m). Informal leisure areas, picnic sites and viewing facilities of the lakes, islands and Barrow Valley panorama are features of this sylvan playground.
A special project within the new Forest Park will help the disabled and wheelchair users enjoy all facilities. A Boarded and Barked Pedestrian Wheelway extends for over a mile capturing the amenity of the Lake, Picnic and Butlers Wood beauty spots.
Specially constructed board walk leading from the carpark to the Lake and picnic areas.
Photo Carlow County Museum.
The Park is opened daily from 8am to 9pm, access is free and carparking and toilet facilities are provided. You are asked to respect and protect the Natural Habitat, Ecology and Wildlife. Entrance to Forest Park is from the Local Road, Oak Park to Ballaghmoon, which can be accessed via Greenacres Cross (N9) to Knocknagee Cross.
Views of the Lake Walks. Photos Carlow County Museum.
This project is an example of excellent co-operation between three public agencies, Teagasc, Carlow County Council and Carlow Town Council. The extraordinary generosity of Teagasc is an example of extreme public citizenship and of what local patriotism is all about.”
Cllr. Michael Meaney, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council speaking at the official opening of the Oak Park Forest Park, June 2006.
Cutting the ribbon to officially open the Oak Park Forest Park on June 2nd 2006 are (L to R) Cllr. Michael Abbey, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council; Dr. Jimmy Burke, Head of Oak Park Research Centre, Teagasc; Jim Flanagan, Director of Teagasc; Cllr. Michael Meaney, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council and Joe Crockett, Carlow County Manager. Photo Carlow County Museum.
“It is a treasure island of great beauty. The forest park will be of huge benefit to the people of Carlow and the surrounding counties. The courage of the Local Authorities allied to the civic spirit of Teagasc and backed up by the effective use of public funds has brought about a wonderful amenity for the community.”
Cllr. Michael Abbey, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council, speaking at the official opening of the Oak Park Forest Park, June 2006.
The magnificent Triumphal Arch, the former entrance to the Oak Park Estate under which most visitors to the new Forest Park will have to pass under. Photo Carlow County Museum.
|