On an auld jaunting car in Kilrush

MORE than three years after it was suggested Kilrush Wood walking trails be upgraded, it has emerged that Kilrush Town Council is to meet with Coillte to examine ways to develop the 420 acre wood.

MORE than three years after it was suggested Kilrush Wood walking trails be upgraded, it has emerged that Kilrush Town Council is to meet with Coillte to examine ways to develop the 420 acre wood.
The matter was raised at the March meeting of Kilrush Town Council when Councillor Paul Moroney asked that the council “look for new ways to promote the wood trails within our most beautiful wood in Kilrush”.
In reply, Kilrush Town Council marketing officer Siobhán Garvey said steps are being taken to work on the proposal.
“A meeting has been arranged with Coillte to discuss a number of matters relating to the further development and promotion of the gardens and the wood. Kilrush Town Council, along with the county architect and Clare biodiversity officer, will be presenting a number of ideas regarding how to enhance the use of the wood and the idea of a jaunting car service will be suggested at this meeting as part of the discussions. An update on these developments will be provided once available,” Ms Garvey explained.
At the December 2008 meeting of Kilrush Town Council, town clerk John Corry said the Recreation Department in Coillte intended to further develop wood paths and trails if funding was made available. They were also planning to place more information signs and maps on the various trails.
Councillor Tom Prendeville suggested that the town council enter into discussions with Coillte regarding the development of a public park in Kilrush Wood.
“It might be worthwhile to engage with the general public in bringing forward a development strategy for Kilrush Wood,” Councillor Prendeville suggested at the time.
“The Vandeleur Walled Garden and Kilrush Woods remain a top priority when the town council engages in any tourism promotion and, in recent years, Kilrush Town Council has invested in resurfacing the roadway leading from the main road in through the woods to the car park, as well as including it in the historic town trail walks,” Ms Garvey said at this month’s meeting.
“In 2011, following consultation with Coillte, they developed their walkways further by adding a new marked way and interpretational signs. It is acknowledged that the gardens and woods are almost a hidden treasure in the area and every effort is being made to promote both. As you are aware, there are plans to further develop the tourism potential and visitor offering at the Vandeleur Walled Gardens. The first phase of this work is to look at re-arranging the approach to the gardens with a view to maximising footfall and this will be achieved by changing the entry point to the centre so that the north façade at the main (top) car park becomes more inviting. In tandem with this, it is proposed to realign a number of walking trails within the woods so users will be directed through the gardens as part of their walk and in so doing form a unity and link between the two amenities,” Ms Garvey concluded.
The wood was formerly the Vandeleur Demesne, while the ruined Vandeleur House was demolished in 1973. The wood contains huge, mature trees planted in the 18th century.
Managed by Coillte Teoranta, the wood was planted by the Vandeleur landlord family in the early 19th century. The Vandeleur Walled Garden, which opened to visitors in 2000, are located in the wood.