Castlecomer Discovery Park

Castlecomer Discovery Park is a multi-activity forest park set on 80 acres of mixed woodland just 20 km north of the city of Kilkenny and 24 km from Carlow town. Open all year round the Discovery Park is an ideal location for a family day out with plenty of activities to enjoy with both indoor and outdoor experiences. With over 6 km of walking pathways winding through mature woodland its the perfect way to unwind and relax. Enjoy the thrill of catching rainbow trout on one of the restored lakes or pedal boating and canoeing with the family. The more adventurous can enjoy the thrill of Irelands longest over-water zipline. Visitors zip over our stunning woodland, two lakes and 17th century hand-restored bridge with equipment training and supervision provided. The exhilarating zipline is accompanied by the Advanced High Ropes Course. Set on an octagonal frame, this presents a series of challenges in the form of nets, ropes and wooden bridges. Children can enjoy viewing the rare animals that reside in the former walled garden as well as having great fun in the charming Timber Tumbles playground which includes a mini zip-wire and climbing wall. Coal Mining Museum provides a 45 minute audio-visual exhibition charting the geological formation of coal, significant fossils finds and crucially the social history and heritage of coal-mining in the Castlecomer region.

Open daily, last entry 4pm. Cost: Adult €7; Child €5; Student/OAP €6; Family 2+2 €20; Family 2+3 €22; Group & School discounts available. The busy restored stable yard boasts a wealth of local craftspeople who produce, display and sell their inspiring crafts or enjoy some refreshments in the wonderful family friendly Jarrow Café. Picnic tables are located in the parkland by the river’s edge close to the car park and children’s playground and there are also a number of more secluded picnic spots located along the woodland walks