Coole Park Nature Reserve

Welcome to Coole Park Nature Reserve, a captivating establishment and park located in County Galway, Gort. As a renowned point of interest and tourist attraction, Coole Park invites you to explore and experience the enchanting magic and serenity of its unique landscape.

Getting to Coole Park Nature Reserve is easy, as it is situated just 4km northwest of the town of Gort in South County Galway. The park is part of the Coole-Garryland Complex Special Area of Conservation, which is known for its natural beauty and ecological importance.

Managed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Coole Park offers a range of educational opportunities through its network of Education Centres. These centres aim to raise awareness of the environment and promote conservation efforts.

When visiting Coole Park, you can enjoy two waymarked trails that showcase the natural beauty of the reserve. Maps are available on-site or can be downloaded from our website. Stay up-to-date with all the latest information about Coole Park, including public events, news updates, and announcements.

After exploring the park, you can relax and indulge in local, seasonal cuisine at Coole Park Tearooms. The tearooms offer a small selection of vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes, along with freshly brewed coffee and homemade baked goods.

Coole Park is not only a picturesque destination but also a vital wetland system of global importance. Situated in the low-lying karstic limestone region west of Gort, the reserve covers approximately 400 hectares (1000 acres) where wetland and woodland intersect. The underground rivers, seasonal lakes, springs, and swallow holes create a complex ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife.

In the early 20th century, Coole Park was the center of the Irish Literary Revival, attracting renowned writers such as William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge, and Sean O' Casey. These literary figures left their mark by carving their initials on the Autograph Tree, a historic Copper beech that still stands in the walled garden today. Lady Gregory, the dramatist and folklorist, also called Coole Park home and played a significant role in the founding of the Abbey Theatre.

Although the house no longer stands, Coole Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the environment that inspired these literary greats. Through our website, you can learn about the wildlife, Gregory family history, and literary connections of this special place.

Join us for Heritage Week, where we have an amazing line-up of events, including heritage walks and story hunts for children. We also offer weekly activities for young ecologists and nature arts and crafts sessions.

Don't miss the captivating puppetry magic of Your Man's Puppets, who will be performing at Coole Park Visitor Centre. This remarkable puppet show is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Come and discover the magic and tranquility of Coole Park Nature Reserve. It's a place where nature, history, and literature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.