Fantastic Forest Parks in County Galway for Kids

Summary Table - Fun Forest Parks in Galway

Forest Park Name	Location	Key Features
Coole Park	South County Galway	Tranquil woodlands, serene lakes, extensive walking trails, picnic areas
Merlin Woods	Galway City	Diverse habitats, birdwatching, walking trails
Brigit's Garden	Heart of County Galway	Celtic festivals, interactive exhibits, workshops and events
Portumna Forest Park	Lough Derg	Diverse habitats, wildlife watching, walking and cycling trails, kayaking, fishing, hillwalking, picnic areas
Derroura Mountain Bike Trail	Connemara	Mountain biking trails, kayaking, fishing, hillwalking, picnic areas
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden	Connemara	Historic castle, Victorian walled garden, guided tours
Connemara National Park	Connemara	Stunning landscapes, hiking trails, picnic areas
Knockma Forest Walk	Near Tuam	Variety of habitats, walking trails, picnic areas
Portumna Castle and Gardens	Lough Derg	Historic castle, variety of gardens, guided tours
Glenlo Abbey Estate	Outside Galway City	Historic hotel, variety of gardens, guided tours

Here are some of the most fun forest parks to visit with the kids in County Galway.

1. Coole Park

Coole Park is a beautiful forest park located in the south of County Galway. The park is renowned for its tranquil woodlands and serene lakes, and is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy a peaceful day out in nature.

One of the highlights of Coole Park is its extensive network of walking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are also plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family picnic.

2, Merlin Woods

Merlin Woods is a popular forest park located on the outskirts of Galway City. The park is home to a variety of different habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. It's a great spot for birdwatching, as the park is home to a diverse range of bird species, including woodpeckers, kingfishers, and herons. There are also plenty of walking trails throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family hike.

3. Brigit's Garden

Brigit's Garden is a unique forest park located in the heart of County Galway. The park is designed to celebrate the Celtic festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa, and Samhain, and is a great spot for families looking to learn more about Ireland's ancient Celtic traditions.

There are plenty of interactive exhibits throughout the park, including a Celtic knot garden, a fairy fort, and a nature trail. The park also offers a variety of workshops and events throughout the year, including storytelling, music, and dance performances.

4. Portumna Forest Park

Portumna Forest Park is a beautiful park located on the shores of Lough Derg. The park is home to a variety of different habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. It's a great spot for wildlife watching, as the park is home to a diverse range of animal species, including red squirrels, badgers, and otters. There are also plenty of walking and cycling trails throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family day out.

5. Derroura Mountain Bike Trail

The Derroura Mountain Bike Trail is a thrilling forest park located in the Connemara region of County Galway. The park is home to an extensive network of mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging downhill runs. It's a great spot for families who love adventure, as the park also offers a variety of other activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hillwalking. There are also plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family day out.

6. Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is a historic forest park located in the heart of Connemara. The park is home to the iconic Kylemore Abbey, which was originally built as a castle in the 19th century. The park is also home to a stunning Victorian walled garden, which is home to a variety of different plant species, including rare orchids and exotic shrubs. There are plenty of guided tours available throughout the park, making it a great spot for families looking to learn more about Ireland's rich history and culture.

7. Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park is a breathtaking forest park located in the heart of Connemara. The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Ireland, including mountains, bogs, and lakes.

It's a great spot for families who love hiking and exploring, as the park offers a variety of different walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. There are also plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family day out.

8. Knockma Forest Walk

The Knockma Forest Walk is a beautiful forest park located near the town of Tuam. The park is home to a variety of different habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. It's a great spot for families looking to enjoy a peaceful day out in nature, as the park offers a variety of different walking trails, ranging from short strolls to more challenging hikes. There are also plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family picnic.

9. Portumna Castle and Gardens

Portumna Castle and Gardens is a historic forest park located on the shores of Lough Derg. The park is home to the stunning Portumna Castle, which was originally built in the 17th century. The park is also home to a variety of different gardens, including a walled garden, a herb garden, and a pleasure garden. There are plenty of guided tours available throughout the park, making it a great spot for families looking to learn more about Ireland's rich history and culture.

10. Glenlo Abbey Estate

The Glenlo Abbey Estate is a beautiful forest park located just outside Galway City. The park is home to the stunning Glenlo Abbey Hotel, which was originally built in the 18th century. The park is also home to a variety of different gardens, including a walled garden, a rose garden, and a Japanese garden. There are plenty of guided tours available throughout the park, making it a great spot for families looking to learn more about Ireland's rich history and culture.