Castlecomer Discovery Park

Set in the former grounds of the Wandesforde Estate, Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 80 acres of stunning natural woodland and lakes with a range of adventure and educational activities for all ages. Castlecomer Discovery Park was born out of a large-scale community project to rejuvenate Castlecomer following the closure of the coal mines in 1969. It is a registered charity and operates as a social-community enterprise on a non-profit basis. The key aims of Castlecomer Discovery Park are to: 1. Generate local employment 2. Boost rural tourism 3. Regenerate the local area This relatively ‘young’ park opened to the public in 2007 and continues to evolve, actively developing a range of exciting recreational, cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages. Key attractions include a Ireland's longest over-water Zipline & Octagon High Ropes Course (2016), a Tree Top Adventure Walk & Climbing Wall (2012), Pedal Boats & Canadian Canoes (2013), a Woodland Play Area (2014) with a Junior Woodland Adventure Course, hand-crafted Bluebell Playhouse and magical Elf & Fairy Village, interactive coal-mining museum (2007), orienteering trails (2013), walking trails, Primary & Secondary School tours and activities, Jarrow Cafe, renowned design craft studios and much more. The Park has grown from strength to strength since it first opened, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Over 122,000 visited in 2016 and is listed in the Top 3 most visited tourist attractions in Kilkenny. The woodland is owned by Coillte but managed by Castlecomer Discovery Park. As a non-profit organisation, Castlecomer Discovery Park receives funding from Pobal, Leader, Kilkenny County Council and others.