Recreation Parks in and near Sligo

Deerpark

Then facilities at Deerpark include a car park, picnic site, forest walk, viewing point and scenic views. There are walks of up to 2 km available and the habitat is a pleasant forest walk leading to Giants graves. ... more

After a long day of sightseeing, sometimes the best thing to do is to find a relaxing spot to stretch out on the grass, relax, and watch the world go by. Ireland has no shortage of green spaces and these recreation parks are great places to stop for a while and take stock of your trip. Some have become tourist destinations in their own right offering beautiful landscaped gardens, picnic areas and summertime concerts.

Dublin has several beautiful parks within the city, including the historic St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square, which feature monuments to famous Irish people such as Oscar Wilde. Just outside the city is Larchill Arcadian Garden, a lovely green space that makes for a great day family day trip.

The park features an ornamental 18th century farm and landscaped garden, and has beautiful follies, lakes and walks. The walled garden is a highlight, with its elegant formal design and ornamental herb and vegetable gardens. The parkland walks offer dramatic views across to the Dublin Mountains, and many species of wild duck and swan live in the park's lakes. The park even has a miniature fortress that is a copy of a castle on the Rock of Gibraltar. Mock naval battles were actually fought across the park's lake in the 18th century.

Near the city of Cork is Farran Forest Park, which, a wonderful place to take a forest walk or just enjoy the views. There is also a children's adventure playground to help younger visitors let off some steam. The park features a diversity of tree species and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The park features a wildlife enclosure with a variety of wildfowl and mammals including a herd of red deer.

Just north of Kilkenny you can find Jenkinstown Park, which has something for everyone, with a picnic site, forest walks, a deer park and a large lawned area. A feature of this park is its beautiful plant life, including a conifer plantation and a beech wood that is covered with a carpet of bluebells during April each year.

Kenmare in Kerry has Gleninchaquin Park, another area of natural beauty that provides scenic walking routes and great picnic areas in a beautiful valley. While you're strolling around the park or enjoying a tranquil picnic, you can appreciate the incredible views of lakes, soft green meadows and a spectacular waterfall, framed by the mountain tops of the McGillicuddy Reeks.

If you're looking to relax and enjoy yourself in nature, don't miss Killarney National Park, which covers over 10,000 hectares of woodland, lakes, mountains, parks and gardens. Attractions within the park's grounds include the Victorian mansion of Muckross House with its landscaped gardens, and the historic 15th century Muckross Abbey. The natural beauty of the park is the real draw, however, and it's a wonderful place to spend a day. Popular outdoor activities in the park include walking, cycling and trout fishing and boating on the three lakes.

Near Killarney you can also visit Millstreet Country Park, located on the northern slopes of Musheramore Mountain. A visitors centre will enlighten you about the heritage of the valley, before you head off to explore its natural beauty. You can follow the walks through the park to admire its lakes, waterfalls, wetlands, archaeological sites, and diverse birds and wildlife. It's an ideal place to bring a picnic and just enjoy being in nature. As if that's not enough to keep you delighted all day, a sensory garden, designed for the visually impaired, provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy perfumed flowers and aromatic plants, while the park's music garden hosts live recitals each Sunday.