Rossmore Forest Park
Map showing the location of Rossmore Forest Park
Map showing the location of Rossmore Forest Park
LocationCounty Monaghan, Ireland
Coordinates54°13′41″N 6°59′49″W / 54.228°N 6.997°W / 54.228; -6.997
Governing bodyCoillte

Rossmore Forest Park is a national forest park located in County Monaghan in Ireland run by the Irish States forestry organisation, Coillte. It is situated approximately 5km outside Monaghan town[1] and has its main entrance on the R189 Threemilehouse/Newbliss Road.[2]

History

The park was the site of Rossmore Castle, which was demolished in the 1970s. It was the home of Lord Rossmore and the Rossmore family, who were the local landlords of the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.[3] The park also includes a number of historical sites, including a wedge tomb and a court tomb.[2]

Wildlife

The park is home to a variety of native mammal species, including otters, pigmy shrews, and five species of bat. The park hosts migratory birds, both over winter and the summer.[2]

Amenities

Wooden sculpture in the Park

The park is primarily used for recreational purposes and has several walking trails across 320 hectares.[1] Amongst its trees and plant life are Californian redwoods planted at various locations. One of these Redwoods is situated near the entrance gate. The park also has an adjoining 18 hole golf course of Rossmore Golf Club.

The 2007 horror film Shrooms was filmed here.[4]

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the Park became the second most visited forest park[5] in Ireland between March and December 2020 according to Coillte. Visitor numbers rose from 10,399 in February 2020 to 24,713 in December 2020.[6][7] In 2021, it was announced that the Park would receive funding for improved facilities, along with the 30 other Coillte parks across Ireland.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 Ball, Jamie (2 February 2020). "Could Monaghan be Ireland's most underrated county?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "Rossmore Forest Park". Monaghan Tourism. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  3. ↑ Somerville, Christopher (27 February 2010). "Walk of the week: Rossmore Lakes Co Monaghan". Irish Independent. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  4. ↑ "Celebrating Northern Ireland's Most Spooky Films". Culture Night Belfast. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  5. ↑ "ROSSMORE PARK BREAKING VISITOR RECORDS DURING LOCKDOWN". Northern Standard. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  6. ↑ McDermott, Stephen (16 February 2021). "Coillte reveals Ireland's ten most popular forests as some visitor numbers triple during 2020". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  7. ↑ O'Riordan, Ellen (16 February 2021). "Some Coillte forests see visitor numbers triple during pandemic". The Irish Times. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  8. ↑ "Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces €1.2 million to support recreation facilities and outdoor tourism in Coillte forests". www.gov.ie. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
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