June Edition 2018
Embedded Files
THIS SITE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED.
Balrath Wood
Balrath Wood
A ten minute drive east of Johnstown and beyond Kentstown you'll discover Balrath forest walk. With free entry throughout the year every season presents something new to see and we invite you to enjoy a 2.5 km relaxing amble through it's wooded walk.
Balrath Woods Location
Locally referred to as Knockcomra, the 50 acre site of Balrath Wood was part of the Somerville Estate. Unfortunately not open to the public the Estate House can be glimpsed on the north side of the Kentstown Road before you turn off towards the woods.
Locally referred to as Knockcomra, the 50 acre site of Balrath Wood was part of the Somerville Estate. Unfortunately not open to the public the Estate House can be glimpsed on the north side of the Kentstown Road before you turn off towards the woods.
On a hot sunny day it's cool and shaded and in winter the sky appears through the tree canopy.
On a hot sunny day it's cool and shaded and in winter the sky appears through the tree canopy.
The land was replanted in the late 1960's to produce a mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland that we see today.
The land was replanted in the late 1960's to produce a mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland that we see today.
We find that Balrath is particularly nice when the Autumn leaves fall to cover the path, some of the wild flowers and still in bloom and the wild berries and nuts can be seen in plentiful supply.
We find that Balrath is particularly nice when the Autumn leaves fall to cover the path, some of the wild flowers and still in bloom and the wild berries and nuts can be seen in plentiful supply.
Balrath Wood is a firm favourite with families and you can cycle carefully or even walk the dog there too but be respectful to this nature reserve.
Balrath Wood is a firm favourite with families and you can cycle carefully or even walk the dog there too but be respectful to this nature reserve.
Managed by The Tree Council of Ireland with Meath County Council the nature walk is frequently used as an outdoor classroom for teachers. They have produced a useful teacher (and parent) information pack that you can download here.
Managed by The Tree Council of Ireland with Meath County Council the nature walk is frequently used as an outdoor classroom for teachers. They have produced a useful teacher (and parent) information pack that you can download here.
Click on a Map Icon below for more information
It takes a hour at a very gentle pace stopping at some of the distractions: swings, rocking horse, climbing frame etc.
On arrival the car park is unattended so do not leave valuables in your car.
On arrival the car park is unattended so do not leave valuables in your car.
Information boards give you an insight into what you could see along the routes and a small gathering shelter largely used by schools.
Information boards give you an insight into what you could see along the routes and a small gathering shelter largely used by schools.
Follow the sloped path to the brow of the hill and past the picnic benches to the first play area for the younger children. From here you can follow Long, Short or Nature walks to discover the woodland.
Follow the sloped path to the brow of the hill and past the picnic benches to the first play area for the younger children. From here you can follow Long, Short or Nature walks to discover the woodland.
The twisting and winding path keeps the children guessing as to what's round the next corner and some feature activities lead them from one to the next. It's a great venue to see woodland wildflowers and trees in a natural habitat.
The twisting and winding path keeps the children guessing as to what's round the next corner and some feature activities lead them from one to the next. It's a great venue to see woodland wildflowers and trees in a natural habitat.
Wildlife
Wildlife
If you're incredibly fortunate you could see a badger, fox, hare, rabbit, grey squirrel, hedgehog or the woodland mouse but don't 'hold your breath' since they're very shy.
If you're incredibly fortunate you could see a badger, fox, hare, rabbit, grey squirrel, hedgehog or the woodland mouse but don't 'hold your breath' since they're very shy.
You will hear songs from the Wild Birds but again they're very shy and hard to spot. Bird Watch Ireland provides useful guides.
You will hear songs from the Wild Birds but again they're very shy and hard to spot. Bird Watch Ireland provides useful guides.
Flora and Fauna
Flora and Fauna
You will need some help to identify the numerous wildflowers growing but their most impressive early spring and late autumn when they're in flower or fruiting.
You will need some help to identify the numerous wildflowers growing but their most impressive early spring and late autumn when they're in flower or fruiting.
Trees
Trees
Ireland doesn't have as many species of native trees compared to other parts of europe. The native Oak, Ash and Yew are now combined with more recent arrivals such as beech, chestnut, spruce and sycamore which although they have been here for perhaps 10,000 years these newer species are not considered native to Ireland.
Ireland doesn't have as many species of native trees compared to other parts of europe. The native Oak, Ash and Yew are now combined with more recent arrivals such as beech, chestnut, spruce and sycamore which although they have been here for perhaps 10,000 years these newer species are not considered native to Ireland.
One of the information boards lists out all the tree species within the woods and you'll be surprised how many there are.
One of the information boards lists out all the tree species within the woods and you'll be surprised how many there are.
Experience the Balrath Woods 360 Scene Tour to explore the park from your armchair, but it is so much better when you're actually there.
Experience the Balrath Woods 360 Scene Tour to explore the park from your armchair, but it is so much better when you're actually there.
Alternatively view the individual 360 sphere photos later in the article but give them time to load.
Alternatively view the individual 360 sphere photos later in the article but give them time to load.
Take in the scenery, leave only footprints, and take home fond memories.
Take in the scenery, leave only footprints, and take home fond memories.
Entry Point
Explore
Explore
Don't forget to look up too!
Entrance Path
Bridge crossing
Off the beaten track
The Big Old Tree
Take a Picnic
Take a Picnic
Meeting and Picnic Area
Central Play and Picnic Point
Activity Points
Activity Points
Climbing Frame
Rocking Horse
Swing Seat
Timber Bridge
Balrath Woods is a recommended favourite place to walk and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Balrath Woods is a recommended favourite place to walk and suitable for all ages and abilities.
More Information
More Information
Related Articles
Related Articles
Our Local Guides
Our Local Guides
Google Sites
Report abuse