Coole Park

Welcome to Coole Park, a truly enchanting institution located at Coole Demesne, Co. Galway, Ireland. As an establishment, park, point of interest, and tourist attraction, Coole Park offers a magical and serene experience in a unique landscape.

To reach Coole Park Nature Reserve, simply head to South County Galway, only 4km northwest of the town of Gort. Our location is easily accessible, making it convenient for visitors to explore and enjoy the wonders of this special place.

Coole Park is part of the Coole-Garryland Complex Special Area of Conservation, known as SAC 252. Situated in a breathtaking setting, this conservation area showcases the beauty of the Waters of Coole. As a wetland system of global importance, Coole Park boasts underground rivers, seasonal lakes (turloughs), springs, and swallow holes. Nestled in the low-lying karstic limestone region west of Gort, Co. Galway, our nature reserve covers approximately 400 hectares (1000 acres) where wetland and woodland intertwine.

For those interested in exploring the trails at Coole Park Nature Reserve, we offer two waymarked options. Maps can be found on-site beside the two car parks or can be downloaded from our website. These trails allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and discover the secrets of this extraordinary landscape.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest information from Coole Park by visiting our website. Here, you will find details about our public events, news updates, and announcements, ensuring you never miss out on any exciting opportunities.

After a day of exploration, be sure to visit Coole Park Tearooms located next to the park. Indulge in local, seasonal cooking, including a small selection of vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes. Savor freshly brewed coffee and homemade baking, providing the perfect end to your visit.

Coole Park holds great historical significance as the center of the Irish Literary Revival in the early 20th century. Renowned authors and playwrights such as William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge, and Sean O’Casey all experienced the magic of this place. They left their mark by carving their initials on the Autograph Tree, an ancient Copper beech that still stands in the walled garden today.

During that time, Coole Park was home to Lady Gregory, a prominent dramatist and folklorist. Lady Gregory is best known as a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, along with Edward Martyn of nearby Tullira Castle and Nobel prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats. The seven woods celebrated by W.B. Yeats are just a part of the extensive nature trails that encompass woods, rivers, turloughs, bare limestone, and Coole Lake.

Although the house no longer stands, the environment that attracted so many influential figures to Coole Park can still be appreciated. You can immerse yourself in the natural world that inspired Yeats' poetry. Through our website, you can learn about the diverse wildlife found here, as well as the fascinating history of the Gregory family and their literary connections.

Coole Park also offers a variety of events and activities for all ages. During Heritage Week, we have an exciting line-up of events, including a story hunt, heritage walks, and more. Additionally, our upcoming events for August include weekly activities for young ecologists and puppetry magic performances by Your Man's Puppets.

Come and experience the magic and serenity of Coole Park for yourself. Discover the allure of this unique landscape and create memories that will last a lifetime.