Coillte encourages Kildare to rediscover local forests
Broadcaster Daniella Moyles, Coillte CEO, Imelda Hurley, and Content Creator, Nollaig Butler, pictured at the launch of Coillte's "Start at Your Local Coillte Forest" campaign
FAMILIES across Kildare are being encouraged to get out and rediscover their local forests through Coillte’s new “Start at Your Local Coillte Forest” campaign this summer.
The campaign highlights local destinations that offer scenic walks, family adventures and opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Across Kildare, Coillte forests offer a range of experiences, from heritage attractions and family activities to woodland walks, cycling and accessible outdoor recreation. At Donadea Forest Park, visitors can discover the historic remains of Donadea Castle, St Peter's Church and the walled gardens, alongside walking trails, cycling routes and the recently opened Zipit forest adventure course.
Moore Abbey is a popular choice for families, offering scenic looped walks and picnic areas within a tranquil woodland setting. Meanwhile, Mullaghreelan Wood offers a variety of looped walking trails through mature woodland, making it an ideal destination for walkers looking to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Outdoor recreation and time spent in nature play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing. As Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, Coillte manages more than 260 recreation sites, including 12 forest parks, 3,000km of waymarked trails and five mountain bike centres. With its open forest policy, Coillte’s forests welcome an estimated 20 million visits annually, reflecting the popularity of outdoor recreation and time spent in nature.
Significant investment has been made in recent years to enhance recreation across Coillte's forest estate through strategic partnerships with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
These partnerships have helped create visitor destinations such as Beyond the Trees Avondale in Co Wicklow, while also supporting the development of accessible trails designed for people of all ages and abilities.
To find your nearest forest and start planning your next outdoor adventure, visit Coillte.ie
