Looking for a family day out in Kilkenny that will keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to grandparents? Castlecomer Discovery Park is a brilliant choice. With 70 acres of woodland to explore, Ireland’s longest zip line, tree top walks, a fascinating coal mining museum and plenty of gentler activities for younger children, it’s a genuine screen-free day out that suits the whole family.
What is Castlecomer Discovery Park?
Castlecomer Discovery Park is an award-winning 70-acre woodland recreational and educational park. It offers a wide range of adventure activities, including tree top walks, Ireland’s longest zip wire, a high ropes challenge, climbing walls, boating, archery, adventure playgrounds, a woodland café and orienteering trails. At the heart of the park you’ll also find the Irish Mining Museum, a purpose-built café, a craft village and spaces for educational activities.
Set in the former grounds of the Wandesforde Estate, the park is located just under 20km north of Kilkenny City, around 90 minutes from Dublin, with easy access from the M7, M8 and M9 motorways. It opened to the public in 2007.
Castlecomer Discovery Park is a social community enterprise run on a not-for-profit basis, supported by local volunteers and a board of voluntary directors, with any profit reinvested in developing the park.
There are three woodland trails suitable for all ages, winding through the 70 acres of woodland and lakes. Trails range from 1.5km to 5km, so you can walk, jog or cycle at your own pace. Scenic picnic spots are dotted throughout the park, along with three permanent orienteering trails of 1km, 2km and 3km.
An interactive museum and café
The Coal Mining exhibition is a 45-minute interactive, multimedia tour through Castlecomer’s coal mining past. It begins with the formation of the coal 300 million years ago and follows more than 300 years of mining history through to the closure of the mines in 1969, including recordings of former miners sharing their underground experiences. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy local, seasonal food at the Jarrow Café, which has a kid-friendly menu and caters for parties.
A multi-activity family friendly park
Castlecomer Discovery Park offers great value activities for every age group. The Tree Top Walk, nestled among the sycamore trees, is 140 metres long and gives lovely views over the 70-acre woodland park. For something a little less daunting, the outdoor climbing wall has varying levels so all the family can join in.
For thrill-seekers, there’s Ireland’s longest zip line — 300 metres long and reaching over 35 metres above the ground at its highest point. It’s paired with two high ropes courses, known as the Octagonal High Ropes Challenge, set high in the woodland with views over the park’s two lakes.
Younger children are well catered for too, with a playground, an elf and fairy village, and a Junior Woodland Adventure Course featuring a series of low-risk balance and steering challenges, all set within the natural woodland surroundings.
Archery is another popular activity, suitable for ages 8 and up — a great chance for young visitors to channel their inner Robin Hood.
With 6km of walking trails, woodland orienteering trails, pedal boats and canoes, plus the interactive coal mining exhibition telling the story of local mining heritage, there really is something for everyone. You can relax over a meal or snack at the Canopy Café near the elf village, then take a stroll around the craft yard to meet the local makers and pick up a unique gift.
An education centre for schools
Castlecomer Discovery Park offers a range of educational and recreational programmes suitable for primary, secondary and further education groups. Programmes are designed to cover topics across geography, science and ecology, maths, history, CSPE, LCVP and Transition Year, with learning taking place across the woodland, dedicated education rooms and the coal mining museum.
Programmes are curriculum-relevant and designed to be fun and engaging for both teachers and students. Schools can find booking details on the park’s official website.
Home to Kilkenny’s craft makers
Many of the resident craft makers are graduates of Crafts Council of Ireland training courses, working across pottery, jewellery, stone masonry, painting and interior design. Their workshops, based in the former stable yard, are well worth a visit — you might find a unique gift, or leave inspired to book a ceramics or mosaic workshop of your own.
Who is it for?
Absolutely everyone — from grandchildren to grandparents. The mix of high-energy adventure activities and gentler woodland walks means there’s something suited to every age and energy level in the family.
Why is Castlecomer Discovery Park different?
Castlecomer Discovery Park is continually being restored to its former glory. The Estate Yard was once the farmyard, stables and kitchen gardens supplying fresh produce for the Wandesforde family and the wider estate during the 1700s. Restoration work has included the 17th century stone walls and bridges, the stables and Estate Yard, the reinstatement of the old lakes, and the museum telling the story of the coal miners who worked the local mines for 300 years.
The park continues to evolve, actively developing new recreational, cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you fancy tackling the Tree Top Walk or soaking up the coal mining history in the museum, there’s something for everyone here. On offer at the park:
- Outdoor adventure activities — Tree Top Walk, three orienteering trails, 6km of woodland trails
- Water-based activities — bait and fly fishing, Canadian canoe and pedal boat hire
- Educational and recreational programmes and tours
- Interactive multimedia coal mining museum
- Café and craft makers in the Estate Yard
In five words
Educational, outdoor family day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castlecomer Discovery Park suitable for young children?
Yes. Alongside the bigger adventure activities, there’s a playground, an elf and fairy village, and a Junior Woodland Adventure Course designed specifically for younger children.
What age do you need to be for the zip line and high ropes?
The zip line and high ropes courses are among the park’s more adventurous activities. Check the park’s official website for current age and height requirements before you visit.
How long does a visit to Castlecomer Discovery Park take?
Most families spend a full day at the park, as there’s a wide mix of trails, adventure activities, the mining museum and the craft village to explore.
Is there somewhere to eat at the park?
Yes, the park has a café serving local, seasonal food with a kid-friendly menu, as well as a second café near the elf village.
How far is Castlecomer Discovery Park from Dublin?
It’s roughly 90 minutes’ drive from Dublin, with good access via the M7, M8 and M9 motorways.
Related Articles
Looking for more adventure days out with the family? You might also enjoy:
- Top Outdoor Adventure Parks for Families in Ireland
- Best Zip Lines and High Ropes Courses for Kids
- Family-Friendly Woodland Walks Around Ireland
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