Castlecomer Discovery Park
| County: | Co. Kilkenny |
| Tel: | 056 - 4440707 |
| Fax: | 056 - 4440628 |
| Email: | info@discoverypark.ie |
At Castlecomer Discovery Park you can discover a world where prehistoric amphibians swim and walk through enormous swamp forests, where giant insects fly through the treetops and giant millipedes crawl through ferns and mosses. Discover the coal formed from those forests and the skeletons of those early amphibians preserved for almost 300 million years. Discover the men who worked the coal seams and those who brought the fossils to light. All of this and more can be discovered in the 'Footprints in Coal' experience, which focuses on two distinct, but interlinked, eras of Castlecomer's history.
At this wonderful multi-activity park you are greeted with so much to see and do. Castlecomer Discovery Park occupies 80 acres of mixed woodland and boasts 6km of walking trails, two rainbow trout angling lakes, a children's adventure playground, picnic areas, an animal sanctuary, a mining museum, the Jarrow Cafe and a craft yard of workshops and studios for some of Ireland's top crafts people and artists. Come along and join the fun for all the family!
General Information
| Address: | Castlecomer Demesne Company Limited, The Estate Yard, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 056 - 4440707 |
| Fax: | 056 - 4440628 |
| Email: | info@discoverypark.ie |
| Website: | http://www.discoverypark.ie |
| Location: | 15kms North of Kilkenny City on the N78 just outside Castlecomer Town |
| Season: | Open all year |
| Open Times: | April: 10.00-17.30 May-Aug: 09.30-17.30 Sept-Oct: 10.00-17.00 Nov-Dec: 10.30-16.30 |
| Booking Contact: | info@discoverypark.ie |
| Manager: | Sandra McGrath |
| Average Visit Length: | 2-4 Hours (Including exhibiton visit, woodland walks, angling, schools, science programme) |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: €7.00 OAP/Student: €6.00 Child: €5.00 Family: €20.00 (2A+2C) (Exhibition Only) Additional charges for educational programmes |
| Exhibition: | Interactive Multimedia display tracing the history of coal formation and mining: models, displays, fossils, artefacts and audio-visual presentations |
| Restaurant: | Yes, Home baked food a speciality |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Gift Shop and Craft Yard |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Education
The main attraction at Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ‘Footprints in Coal’ exhibition. ‘Footprints in Coal’ is an interactive multimedia exhibition focusing on the geology of coal formation in Castlecomer 300 million years ago, the fossils that were found in the mines and the history of coal mining in the area. Castlecomer Discovery Park is a designated Primary Science Centre
Our Primary Science Day is suitable for all ages at primary school level and is directly linked to the Primary School Science and Geography curricula. The programme lasts approximately four hours including a break for lunch.Activities can include a visit to the ‘Footprints in Coal’ exhibition, collection and investigation of minibeasts, and a Discovery Trail around the parkland and woodlands with associated games and activities
Conference & Incentive
One of the most picturesque towns in a picturesque county, Castlecomer has taken advantage of a unique piece of woodland to create an exciting new visitor attraction with a difference. This venue may be used for small to medium sized groups and functions. The spectacular interpretative centre entrance is ideal for exhibitions, receptions and product launches while the Jarrow Café is available for corporate lunches and dinners. The education room is ideal for workshops, meetings, poetry readings and visiting lectures. The extensive woodland trails,lakeshore walks, fishing lakes and picnic areas lend themselves to imaginative corporate events and activities. A calender of events is in place throughout the year.
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