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Dun an Rí Forest Park

Dun an Rí Forest Park is located 1.5km north of Kingscourt on the R179 to Carrickmacross.

Park

The Forest Park embraces part of the Cabra Estate, which was formerly owned by the Pratt family. It is situated in the parish of Enniskeen, which includes a portion of the Barony of Clonee, Co. Cavan and a smaller part of the Barony of Kells, Co. Meath. The O’Reilly family ruled the area until the end of the 16th century when they were succeed by the Flemings who built Felming’s Castle at Cabra in 1605. In 1666, Col. Thomas Cooch, a forebear of the Pratt family, came into possession of the estate. The ‘Romantic Glen’ of the Cabra River, stretching the full length of the park is an area steeped in history and legend. It is said that Cuchulain camped here at night while conducting his single-handed defense of Ulster against the armies of Queen Maeve by day. Eilis Boland who wrote the famous ballad “Doonaree” wrote about “the wishing well, beyond the chestnut tree in a shady nook, by a winding brook…” The chestnut tree still stands and is a feature of the parkland.

Chestnut Tree

The park is located in an area noted for the diversity of its geological formations. The forest itself lies in a tranquil glen. Lady’s lake is an artificial lake, which was fed from water passing through the old flax mill at Cabra. The Cabra River runs through the park.

Lady’s Lake

Walking Paths

There are a number of different walking paths in Dun an Rí. There are four walks of approximately 1.5-2km in length all with points of interest.

The forest of Dun an Rí is 229 hectares of which 146 hectares comprises of commercial forest. Norway spruce and oak are two important species in these commercial stands. The oak trees are managed to produce a valuable veneer crop.

There are various features identified by sign posts in the course of the several planned walks These include the wishing well, (a Holy Well called Tobar na Splinne), Cromwell’s Bridge, Cabra Cottage – originally the residence of the Pratt family before they moved to Cabra Castle – the flax mill, the Lady’s Lake and an old ice house. The ruins of Fleming’s Castle can still be seen as well as Sarah’s Well. Sarah’s Bridge, built in 1801, is the starting point of many of the walks in the park. Car parking is also available. (source: http://www.coillte.ie)