The open forest parks of the south-east region have just been made more accessible. There are 25 such forests in the region, and a free guidebook published last month is bound to raise their profile and popularity.
Already each year one-third of all visitors to the region use the forest walks, and they also attract two out of every five Irish families in the south-east.
These public woodlands, operated by Coillte, will be easier to find and explore with the detailed guidebook and map produced by South East Tourism. It outlines the history, flora, fauna, geology and visitor facilities associated with each of the forests.
The locations range from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary to Glenshelane near Cappoquin, Co Waterford, Bahana Forest in Co Carlow and the magnificent Woodstock Demesne outside Inistioge, Co Kilkenny. There are high-profile centres such as the JFK Arboretum in Co Wexford and less well-known reserves such as the Marl Bog near Dundrum, Co Tipperary.
The guidebook also describes 22 of the leading gardens open to the public in the five south-eastern counties. Some, such as the splendid Altamont House and Gardens at Tullow, Co Carlow (now in State care and managed by Duchas, the heritage service) are accessible free of charge.
Some others levy a charge of £1 to £3 per adult.
The details listed in the guidebook constitute essential advance information, as some of the private gardens impose specific conditions such as prohibiting dogs or insisting that children must be under supervision.
Some locations offer refreshments, and quite a few include garden centres, said Pat Nolan, of South East Tourism. "For gardening clubs in particular it's quite important that visitors have the opportunity to purchase cuttings of shrubs they find attractive" he said.
The 48-page booklet, A Guide to Gardens, Parks and Forests in Ireland South East, will be available from any tourist office or from Gardens South East Marketing Co-operative, Shee Alms House, Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny. Tel (056) 51500.