Coole Park and Gardens

A Nature Reserve of approx. 405 hectares. The seven woods celebrated by W.B. Yeats are part of the 6 kilometres of nature trails taking in woods, river, turlough, bare limestone and Coole lake. There are two trails to follow. 'The Family Trail' is an easy 1.75 km walk, taking you past the deer pen, the site of the house and into the walled garden to see the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km 'Seven Woods Trail' connects the different woods made famous in poetry by W.B. Yeats. Depending on the season, you might see bluebells and violets, jays and tree creepers, red squirrels and stoats, butterflies and dragonflies, or swans and other wetland birds. The Visitor Centre contains an audio/visual presentation, 'Lady Gregory of Coole', a literary history of Coole Park, and also a multi-media exhibition, 'Coole Park through the eyes of 'Me and Nu', Granddaughters of Lady Gregory'. The presentations last approximately 30 minutes each. The Coole Park Restaurant is located in the recently restored building at the stable yard. This modest establishment provides a wide selection of homemade dishes and desserts.