Historical Tour of Donadea Demense

Seamus Cullen local renowned historian and St Mochua historical society will take you on a journey from Donadea Castle. Hear the history of Donadea and the contribution the Alymer family made locally. Wander past the beautiful landscape including the lake at Donadea and hear the families history, see the ice house used by the castle and the family pet cemetery, as well as St Peter’s Church.

The history of Donadea dates back to the year 250 and the great Sli Mór, one of the 5 great roads through Ireland. St Patrick was very active in Donadea and built the first church here St. Peters.

In 1172 Strongbow gifts Donadea to Adam de Hereford.
1317 Donadea owned by Miler Fitzhenry and then by Birmingham family.
1492 The pale boundary formed close to Donadea.
1558 The Alymer family of Lyon’s acquire Donadea.
1581 Gerald Alymer builds first castle.
1621 First Baronet of Donadea.
1642 Burning of the castle by government forces.
1689 Lady Helen Alymer sides with Jacobites and outlawed.
1816 to 1878 Sir George Alymer - Morrison design of castle.
1935 Death of Miss Caroline Alymer, last resident.
1981 Donadea Demense was designated a forest park.
2000 Millenium memorial, launch of forest walks.
2026 Zippit launched - modern update and plans by St Mochua / KCC and Coillte to protect historical aspects.

Car parking barrier will be lifted and free on the day. Recognise the heritage team by their high vis jackets.

This talk is led by renowned historian Seamus Cullen. This is a moderate walk. This is accesible with prams or wheelchairs. All paces catered for as seating areas, cafe/toilets and picnic areas in park.

Volunteers will lead you through history at each marker. It takes 5 mins slow pace from car park to castle walls and each location thereafter 5 to 10 min. walk. Donadea is a 243 hectare mixed woodland. Beautiful forest walks, hear and see birds, ducks and swans on the lake.

The 9/11 memorial is a poignant reminder and tribute to a local Donadea native and firefighter who died in one of the twin towers in New York.

If more information is required contact Teresa on 0872835631

See. www.coillte/site/Donadea-forest/

Afterwards outside the park you are a 5 minute drive to a variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants.