County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie

County Kildare Walking Routes Project
Comments
1. The route passes through one landscape character area defined in the County
Development Plans as the Northern Lowlands. However Donadea Forest is
recognized in the County Development Plan as an area of mixed woodland including
individual trees, groups of trees and avenues worthy of preservation. Some scrubland
with natural vegetation has been set aside. A new oak wood has been planted beside
the 9/11 memorial. There are some interesting excavations associated with bridge
building on the estate that reveals the underlying marly clay full of freshwater mollusc
shells that could be preserved as a stopping point of geological interest along the
nature trail.
2. In addition to the nature trail in the forest with its mixture of broadleaf, conifer and
some exotic species there is a magnificent grove of beech, approximately 150 years
old, which covers an area of 1 hectare. Other broadleaved species include young oak ,
planted in 1938 and common ash. Sitka spruce, grand fir and Norway spruce are also
present. The Shrubbery Trail has holm oak, horse chestnut, copper beech, silver birch,
larch, hazel, yew, Lawson cypress and monkey puzzle. Along the walls, the ivy-leaved
toadflax, maidenhair spleenworth and hart's tongue fern can be observed. The muddy
bottom of the shallow lake provides an ideal habitat for aquatic plants. Pond weed is
abundant while reed mace is prominent in the shallow waters. The large-leaved yellow
water lily can also be seen. There is a lake walk with abundant coot, moorhen and
mallard. The mute swan is an occasional visitor. The lake is also stocked with coarse
fish. Rabbits and squirrels are a common sight in the forest.
3. From a practical point of view the route is only accessible by car. Ample car parking is
provided. It is only 20 miles from the centre of Dublin. In terms of its link to the towns of
Kildare people interviewed had traveled from Newbridge and Leixlip and did so on a
regular basis. The Park is perceived by many in urban Kildare as a place to introduce
their children to the wonders of nature and the countryside.
4. The Forest Park contains the remnants of Donadea Castle, home of the Aylemer
family from 1550 to 1935. The original building was burnt in the 1641 rebellion and was
rebuilt. The adjacent tower was built in 1836. There is a 17 th century walled garden
(unfortunately not open to the public) and nearby St. Peter’s Churh of Ireland
graveyard with many interesting gravestones dating back to the 1700s. A neglected,
but well preserved ice house is worthy of restoration. The ice house was the 18 th
century equivalent of the fridge where meat, game and dairy products were stored.
The walled streams are a fascinating example of water engineering in the 18 th century
that was designed to drain the estate lands and controls the level of the lake using
sluice gates. There is a memorial dedicated to the memory of the firemen and
policemen of New York who gave their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. The family of Sean
Tallon, one of those who died, lives in Donadea. All of the sites are located on the
actual route and most are accessible to the public.
5. Donadea Forest Park is owned and managed by Coillte. Coillte promotes recreational
walking at Donadea and have an open access policy. Coillte developed an
Environmental Management Plan for the Park and involves the local community group
in the process. Where on going development work is in progress the hazards are well
signposted. A low hanging cable close to the ruin of Donadea Castle is a potential
hazard that is not properly signposted. Given the large number of visitors a limited
amount of littering does occur. There is an element of private sector involvement
through the franchise for the coffee shop which is privately owned.
6. Donadea is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area in the Draft County
Development Plan for Kildare.