There is lots to do at Coole Park this month. The park is a wonderful place to take a walk with two waymarked trails to follow. The family trail is less than two kilometres and takes you past the site of the house, into the walled garden and through the woodland. Along the way you can stop to see the small herd of red deer, and try to spot the stag displaying his antlers or look out for signs of red squirrels searching for nuts to eat.
The more energetic can follow the seven woods trail (4.5km ), with views of Coole lake and turlough as well. Keep an eye out for wintering swans on the lake.
Managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the nature reserve is open every day from 8am to 6pm.
While the visitor centre is closed at the moment, the tearoom is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 5pm until December 8.
On Sunday December 8 there will be family activities from 2pm to 4pm. Children can make Christmas cards and there will be a quiz for older children, or the whole family can try a seasonal scavenger hunt and look out for robins or holly and ivy, leaving the berries for the birds to feed on.
For more information visit www.coolepark.ie or contact Coole, Gort, Co Galway, at 091 631804.
