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Forests for People

Forests are more important than ever. Coillte manages its forests sustainably to help combat climate change, to supply wood for building homes, to protect habitats for nature, and to provide beautiful places for people to enjoy.

That’s why Coillte is developing outstanding visitor destinations like Beyond the Trees Avondale and creating more recreational forests in communities all over Ireland.

To learn more about the benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood and people click here

Recreational Forests Map ->

Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in Ireland, bringing benefits to society including a connection with nature, boosting physical and mental health, community cohesion, environmental protection and rural and economic development.

Coillte has an open forest policy which means everyone is free to visit any of our forests according to the Leave No Trace Principles.

Coillte has strategic partnerships with both Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Rural Community & Development to deliver recreational facilities that support increased tourism and economic activity in rural areas.

COILLTE'S FUTURE AMBITIONS AIM TO:

Enable the investment of €100 million in world-class visitor destinations to support growth in tourism and recreation by 2030

Double the number of recreation areas to 500, to benefit local communities and people’s wellbeing

Enable the creation of 1,200 new jobs in rural communities to support the just transition to a low carbon economy

did you know?

Visitor numbers to our forests are increasing

Coillte’s visitor numbers to some of its most popular recreational forests have doubled to tripled in recent years

Forest walks are good for you

Studies have shown that walking in forests helps improve our overall wellbeing

There is a national network of mountain bike centres

Coillte has developed six world class mountain bike centres in counties Sligo, Galway, Laois/Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow and Limerick

Avondale forest park and Avondale House is open to the public

Avondale House and forest park is open to visitors, with the iconic Treetop walk & Viewing Tower, Seed Café and much more!

More info at Beyond The Trees Avondale

Guidelines on access to Coillte Forests

All access to our forests is by permission only. Individuals are welcome to walk in all forests and to cycle only on routes waymarked for cycling. All other access requires a permit (motorised, horse-back, all organised and charitable events, any guiding or teaching or coaching activities which are part of your business, etc).

Please ensure you watch out for signs where we might be working in the forest – we ask that for safety reasons, you follow all instructions on these signs and we will usually show you an alternative route for your walk or cycle.

We want you to have a great time exploring our forests, but we do expect you to look out for your own safety and respect other users of the forest.

Activities

Many precious memories have been made walking magical forests trails with family and friends. Today our forests offer far more than walking. You can whiz down challenging biking trails, canopy climb through trees and sneak unforgettable birds-eye views, camp under the starry sky, or explore the rich plant and animal life. Check out all our forests have to offer here – and pick something that suits you!

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Attractions

Come and join us for a unique, exhilarating and fun-filled day out at one of our spectacular 260 recreation sites around Ireland.

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Permits & Licences

Some activities you want to enjoy on our lands may need a permit. All access on horse-back and all motorised access requires a permit. Check the details here and apply for your permit online.

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Annual Card

We charge a car-parking fee at some of our recreational forests. You can buy an annual card here which can be used at all sites.

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Events and Updates

In heavy snow/ice conditions, we may have to close some car-parks and recreation sites, at short notice.
In a 'Red' Wind warning, you should not enter any forest area.

We will keep you updated on closures on our Events and Updates page.

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Recreation Proposals

We welcome external proposals for recreation developments in our forests. This could include trails or picnic areas or any new recreation infrastructure.

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