Press Release: Castlecomer Discovery Park
Exciting NEW woodland play area at Castlecomer Discovery Park!
As part of the ongoing restoration of Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny the team is thrilled with the addition of a spectacular new woodland play area!
Its location under the Sycamore, Ash and Yew trees creates a stunning canopy and is a natural suntrap making the experience all the more enjoyable for visitors to the park. Additional seating has also been provided to cater for visitors who just want to bask in the glory of the new developments while enjoying one of the woodland trail walks.
The enchanting Elf & Fairy village has a small yellow sweet shop, cute café, an underground bunker, and an amazing Head Quarters for the fairy folk! It’s full of colourful hand-carved toadstool mushrooms where children can meander through the woodland paths. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the village from 8.30am to 8.30pm as it’s located on the Arboretum woodland trails, is only a 5 – 7 minute walk from the reception and is FREE.
Next to the village is the stunning NEW hexagonal shaped ‘Bluebell Playhouse’. Handcrafted, the playhouse has forum seating where children can enjoy reading nursery rhymes and fairy tales from the ‘woodland’ library. Plans are in place for the installation of a spectacular wooden xylophone along with other creative surprises. The ‘Bluebell Playhouse’ will be open daily from 9.30am to 5pm and is FREE.
The exciting NEW Junior Woodland Adventure Course was designed to encourage small children become more active and adventurous in a woodland environment. Made of natural materials, traditional rope and Larch wood, it’s a series of low-risk challenges where children balance and steer their way through the course and between the Sycamore trees. The course is constructed 2 feet from the mulch covered surface, suitable for 3-8 year olds, and helmets are provided. “The concept is to have parents or older sisters and brothers help youngsters through the course so they become confident enough to do it independently … it’s about having a low risk play activity and woodland environment where our junior visitors can get excited about playing outdoors and using their imagination so it encourages curiosity and wonder” commented manager Liz Nolan.
There’s a €5 introductory offer for two turns on the course, booking is on a first come first served basis, tickets at reception or at course, weekends only 11.30 – 4.30pm (weather permitting), July & August full opening.
For update on development of the ‘Bluebell Playhouse’ follow the park on Facebook and Twitter. See all outdoor activities on www.discoverypark.ie P: 056 4440707
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For more details contact:
Liz Nolan, manager 087 – 7555021; 056 4440707
About Castlecomer Discovery Park:
Set in the former grounds of the Wandesforde Estate, Castlecomer Discovery Park is located just under20km from Kilkenny city. It comprises 80 acres of natural woodland and lakes and was set up to regenerate the town of Castlecomer following the closure of the local coal mines in 1969.
This relatively ‘young’ park opened to the public in 2007 with the launch of the multi-media coal mining exhibition, oak beamed visitor centre and design craft workshops which are located in the former stable yard.
This beautiful park continues to evolve and is actively developing a range of exciting recreational, educational and cultural activities for visitors of all ages. Attractions include: a Tree Top Adventure course, Leap of Faith & Climbing Wall, boating activities, fishing, woodland trails, orienteering and a woodland train. Award winning Jarrow café provides delicious home cooked foods, fresh salads and tempting desserts. Open seven days per week 9.30am – 5pm.
Parking fee: first hour FREE; up to 3 hours €3; all day parking €4; annual pass €45.
The park is just a 75 minute drive from the Red Cow roundabout so Dublin visitors can leave after breakfast and be home for tea for a day in the countryside.
The Castlecomer Discovery Park is a ‘Social Community Enterprise’ and operates on a Not for Profit basis.