Dún an Rí Forest Park

Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan


The 225-hectare Dún an Rí Forest Park, 11km southwest of Carrickmacross, has four colour-coded forest walks (all less than 4km long), with picnic places and a wishing well. Look out for mink and otters along the river. The car park accepts coins only.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan attractions

1. Carrickmacross Lace Gallery

5.36 MILES

In the town's former cattle yards, a local cooperative runs this thimble-sized lace gallery, where you can see lace-making demonstrations and check out…

2. St Joseph's Catholic Church

5.38 MILES

Craftsmanship shines at St Joseph's Catholic Church, with 10 windows designed by Harry Clarke, Ireland's most renowned stained-glass artist. Opening hours…

3. Patrick Kavanagh Resource Centre

10.62 MILES

Acclaimed poet Patrick Kavanagh (1904–67) was born in the picturesque little village of Inniskeen, 10km northeast of Carrickmacross. The Patrick Kavanagh…

4. Market Cross

13.26 MILES

Until 1996, when it was relocated outside the courthouse on Headfort Pl, the Market Cross had stood for centuries in Cross St, at the heart of the town…

5. St Colmcille's House

13.27 MILES

This solid structure is a survivor from the old monastic settlement. Its name is a misnomer, as it was built in the 10th century and St Colmcille was…

6. St Columba

13.28 MILES

The Protestant church of St Columba has a 30m-high 10th-century round tower on the southern side (today without its conical roof). In 1076 the high king…

7. Slane Distillery

16.69 MILES

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8. Hill of Slane

16.78 MILES

About 1km north of Slane village is the Hill of Slane, a fairly plain-looking mound that stands out only for its association with a thick slice of Celto…