Oak Park
Oak Park.
[ photo: County Museum. ]
Oak park was part of the former Oak Park estate, once the home of the Bruen Family from 1775 to 1957. It is now a 127 acre forest park; ideal for leisurely strolls and walks, a visit here is a relaxing and pleasurable experience. The park 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.
Oak Park forest and lake walks complete with boardwalk.
[ photo: 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 Oak Park forest walk.
[ photo: County Museum. ]
Views of Oak Park forest walk.
[ photo: County Museum. ]
Park Features
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 and 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 boarded and barked pedestrian wheelway.
[ photo: County Museum. ]
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.
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: County Museum. ]
Official Opening
" 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 ribon.
[ photo: 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 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.