County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie

County Kildare Walking Routes Project
EVALUATION WALKING ROUTE 11: Killinthomas Wood
This route is a forest walk with 5.7kms of forest paths. The signage is good with an
information board at the starting point and colour coded signs throughout giving a choice of
four different walks of varying lengths. The route is through coniferous and mixed woodland
with views across the Snipe Bog. Curlew and snipe may be seen on the bog. Rabbits and
squirrels can be seen in the wood with evidence of badgers and foxes. There is limited
built heritage along the route but the site is under the management of Coillte. There is a
history of co-operation between Coillte and the local community.
Route 11 scored 143 out of a potential total of 250 (57%). See detailed scoring in
Appendix 2.
EVALUATION WALKING ROUTE 13: Mullaghreelan (Proposed)
This route is a forest walk of 4.5kms linked to the 12 th century Kilkea Castle, the oldest
continuously inhabited castle in Ireland with a well maintained walled
garden. The mixed forest surrounds an Iron Age hill fort with
spectacular views across Co. Kildare. The built heritage combines
Iron Age, Medieval and 19 th century estate architecture associated
with the Fitzgerald family and St. Laurence O’Toole. Part of the trail
that links the forest with the estate needs to be developed. Improved
signage and information boards would greatly improve the route. Cooperation
between Coillte and the owners of Kilkea Castle Hotel has
the potential to promote this route as a first class heritage trail.
Route 13 scored 191 out of a potential total of 250 (76%). See detailed scoring in
Appendix 2.
EVALUATION WALKING ROUTE 14: Naas Town
This route is a combined town and canal walk of 6.4kms linked to the linear park of the
Grand Canal towpath which is a designated NHA with rich natural heritage and accessible
wildlife. The built heritage combines Iron Age, Medieval
and 19 th century ecclesiastical, urban and industrial
architecture associated with the administrative capital of
Kildare. The route is well served by public transport and is
suitable for all levels of walker included the disabled.
Signage is well developed and the route is promoted by
sports bodies and local history group. All services are
available in Naas and the town has a lively nightlife. There
are other well established visitor attractions that could be
jointly promoted.
Route 14 scored 181 out of a potential total of 250 (72%). See detailed scoring in
Appendix 2.
CSA Project 3419 7