Woodpark Forest Park
Woodpark forest is located about 1 1/2 miles from the centre of the village and is a fantastic amenity for the locality. The forest is crisscrossed with a series of interlinking paths and access roads which take the visitor through different stages of woodland development. The journey may take you from young immature planting to established mature woodland.
Woodpark Forest park was official opened by Mr. Sean Hillery, Chairman, Clare County Council, on 28th May 2000. Here is a history of the development of forestry in the Mountshannon area.
In the past few years the forest has been developed as a woodland park, where new pathways have been constructed allowing for entry to
the more inaccessible parts of the wood. Drains have been reopened and rivers have been bridged along the forest routes. There are three car parks
at the forest and the area has been generously furnished with picnic tables and benches.
Over the years the park has been a venue for art workshops during the "Iniscealtra Arts Festival" and this has led to
various articles of sculpture and woodcarving which can be found through the wood.
To fully appreciate the beauty of Woodpark, the visitor should ideally visit during the different seasons. In spring one can observe the blossoming
snowdrops and carpets of bluebells framed by the emerging green leaf buds which will go on to become a thick green canopy of life during the summer months.
Autumn brings a different experience as the green fades, being replaced by the red and copper tones of fallen leaves. What a wonderful way to pass an hour,
as you walk through the forest listening to the sound of the crisp crackling of leaves beneath your feet.
Scuplture in Woodpark
