Welcome to Curragh Chase Forest Park! This stunning park, located just 20KM from Limerick City, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 700 acres of parkland, mixed woodland, trails, lakes and an arboretum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Curragh Chase was once the home of the de Vere family, most notably Sir Aubrey de Vere, a poet and author. The facade of the former grand house, which sits on a hill overlooking the main car park and man-made lake, is still standing and is a popular spot for photographs.
One of the highlights of the park is the impressive arboretum, where visitors can see a wide variety of trees and plants from all over the world. Interestingly there is also a pet cemetery and a memorial cross, both of which are worth a visit.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Curragh Chase Forest Park, including walking, hiking, cycling, orienteering and picnicking. There are numerous trails throughout the park, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, so there’s something for all fitness levels. There is also a permanent orienteering course which you can enjoy.
Getting there:
Curragh Chase Forest Park is just a 30-minute drive from Limerick City. If you’re traveling by car, the entrance fee for the car park is €5 per day per vehicle. Alternatively, there are regular bus services from Limerick City to nearby towns, there is a bustop, named “Kilcornan” from where you can easily access the park on foot.
