Ards Forest Park facts for kids
Ards Forest Park is a wonderful park located in County Donegal, Ireland. It's a great place to visit for outdoor adventures and to learn about history and nature.
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Where is Ards Forest Park?
Ards Forest Park is found on a small piece of land called the Ards Peninsula. It's right on the edge of Sheephaven Bay, along the northern coast of County Donegal, Ireland. You can find it easily on the N56 road, between the towns of Creeslough and Dunfanaghy.
A Look Back at Ards' History
This amazing forest park was once part of a much larger area known as the Ards Estate. An important person named Alexander Stewart bought this big country estate in the 1780s. A country estate is a large area of land with a big house, like a mansion, and often includes farms or forests.
The main house on the estate was called Ards House, but it was taken down in the early 1960s. The Stewart family owned this estate for a long time, until the early 1930s. The last family member to own it was Lady Ena Stewart-Bam. Today, Ards Forest Park is looked after by Coillte, which is an Irish company that manages forests.
What Can You See and Do in the Park?
Ards Forest Park is huge, covering about 481 hectares! That's like 1,200 acres. It's home to lots of different animals and plants. You can also find some really old historical sites here.
Ancient History and Legends
As you explore, you might spot the remains of four ringforts. These were round forts built a very long time ago. There are also several megalithic tombs. Megalithic means they are made from very large stones.
Legend says that these tombs were the beds of two famous characters from Irish myths, Diarmuid and Gráinne. They were said to have rested here while running away from Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
Exploring the Trails
The park has many walking trails that are clearly marked. They lead you to all the main attractions. Here are some of the popular trails:
- Ards Heritage Trail: This trail is about 3.5 kilometers long.
- Nature Trail: This trail is about 3 kilometers long.
- Green Trail: This trail is also about 3 kilometers long.
- Red Trail: This is the longest trail at 13 kilometers. Don't worry, there's a shortcut if you get tired!
As you walk, you'll find special spots with amazing views of the countryside around you.
Special Spots on the Heritage Trail
The Ards Heritage Trail takes you past a few interesting places:
- The Ague Well: This well is believed to be a holy place. Some people even say its water has healing powers.
- Mass Rock: This is a special rock where people secretly held church services a long time ago. This was during a time when laws called the Penal Laws made it difficult for some people to practice their religion openly.
Fun for Everyone
Ards Forest Park also has a nice picnic area where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. There's also a children's play area, perfect for younger visitors to have fun. If you need a snack or a drink, you can visit the Ards Coffee Tree.
What's Nearby?
Just outside the park, near its northern edge at Ballymore, you'll find Clondehorky Parish Church. This is a Church of Ireland church built in the mid-1700s. It's designed in the Georgian style, which was popular at the time. The church overlooks the N56 road, between Creeslough and Port-na-Blagh.
Right across from the church's main gate is the Ballymore Arch. This arch was built in the 1800s for the Stewart family. It made it easier for them to get from the church to Ards House, which was a few miles away.
