Newcastle Wood
Overview
Welcome to Newcastle Wood which was once part of Newcastle Demesne, an estate run by the King-Harman family in the 1800’s. The nearby Newcastle house was where the King-Harmans lived and there are many features and placenames in the woodland that refer back to that time.
The River Inny runs along side the wood, which is a main tributary of the Shannon. It is called after the mythological Princess Eithne who drowned and was cremated downstream at the rapids at Tenelick.
The mix of tree species and associated canopy layers combined with the network of meandering forest roads and pathways creates an ideal walking experience.
There are three suggested routes in the wood, and the Newcastle wood greenway also runs through it.
Things to do
There are three suggested routes in the wood, and the Newcastle wood greenway also runs through it.
The Short Loop (1.2km – 20 minutes – easy – Brown markers) starts at the Inny Bridge car park, this looped route through the forest gives you an excellent appreciation of the woodland flora and fauna while remaining close to the car park should you need to return at any time.
The Newcastle Wood Loop (3.7 km – 1 hour – moderate – green markers) also starting from the car park this route takes you all around the forest and along the river, enjoy the woodland and river settings as you go.
The Perimeter Trail (5.6 km – 1 ½ hour – moderate – red markers) starts at the ‘White Bridge’ and leads you around the perimeter of the Center Parcs resort and is a longer route to stretch your legs on.
Don't miss the hidden gems
There is a wonderful diversity of tree species in this forest.
Visit the new ‘white bridge’ which was installed in 2019 and replaced the original ‘white bridge’ that was removed back in 1963, once again allowing access across the river Inny.
VISITORS FACILITIES ON SITE
Nearby pit stops
Ballymahon town centre