Donadea Forest Walk
This circular loop walk explores the popular Donadea Forest in the northern part of County Kildare.
The woods include some pleasant walking trails taking you through mixed woodland to a pretty lake.
The site is located on the historic Aylmer family estate with remaining features including the remains of the castle, walled gardens, church, tower, ice house, boat house and a picturesque Lime Tree Avenue.
You can reach Donadea in just over an hour's drive west of Dublin.
Donadea Forest Open Street Map 
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Donadea Forest Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area you could head north to pick up the Royal Canal and visit Maynooth and Enfield.
For more woodland walking there's the Saggart Woods in the Slade Valley. There's also some good mountain bike trails here to try.
To the south there's the historic town of Naas where you can enjoy an easy stroll along the Naas Branch of the Grand Canal canal. The Sallins Canal Walk also starts near here.
The Hill of Allen includes an interesting 19th century tower and an excellent viewpoint.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Donadea Castle. In 1558 the Aylmer family acquired the manor. In 1581, Gerald Aylmer commenced a new tower in Donadea which was not completed until 1624. After the death of the last of the Aylmers, Miss Caroline, in 1935, the property was bequeathed to the Church of Ireland, which subsequently sold it to the State.
The site boasts a 2.3-hectare (5.7-acre) lake, home to ducks and other birds, with a spectacular display of water lilies during the summer months. The park's drainage system incorporates walled streams.
Donadea Tower
Donadea Park, view over lake
9-11 memorial at Donadea Park
Donadea Forest Park
St. Peters Anglican Church
Gate to the Castle garden. These gates are signed by Richard Turner, the Dublin ironmaster, who built the Great Palm House at Kew.