Overview
Derrycassan Wood lies on the gentle shoreline of Lough Gowna near the village of Mullinaghta, just a short drive from Granard in County Longford. Spanning roughly 179 acres, the forest is a mosaic of coniferous plantations and native broad‑leaf stands, interspersed with riverbanks, esker ridges and open lakeside clearings. The wood is managed by Coillte and is freely accessible to the public, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll, a family picnic, or a quiet moment of lakeside contemplation.
History
The area was originally part of the Dopping Heppenstall estate, centred on Derrycassan House built in 1760. The house boasted extensive walled gardens and an orchard that supplied fruit and vegetables to the family. The mansion was demolished in 1939, its stones later used to construct the village church. Today, the foundations of the walled garden, several stone bridges and the low walls of the former orchard are still visible, offering a tangible link to the 18th‑century landscape.
A much older feature is the remains of a rath (ringfort) that dates from roughly 500–1500 AD, hinting at early settlement in the region. The forest itself was planted by the state forestry department in the 1960s and has since become a mixed‑species woodland celebrated for its biodiversity.
What to See & Do
Walking routes
Derrycassan Wood offers three sign‑posted, circular walks that cater to a range of abilities and time constraints. All routes start and finish at the main car park near the forest entrance.
| Trail | Length | Approx. time | Waymark colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Trail | 1 km (1.2 km on some maps) | 30 min | Blue |
| Walled Garden Loop | 2.3 km | 45 min | Red |
| Main Avenue Walk | 3.2 km (often quoted as 3.5 km) | 60 min | White |
The Nature Trail follows a quiet forest road alongside the Clooneen River, crossing a stone bridge before reaching a viewing platform that looks out over Lough Gowna and Cygnet Island. The Walled Garden Loop takes walkers past the high brick walls and ornate gates of the former garden, winding through rhododendron thickets and mixed spruce‑fir planting. The Main Avenue Walk runs parallel to the lake shore, offering intermittent lake vistas, benches for a rest, and a gentle ascent up the esker country before looping back to the car park.
Wildlife and flora
The wood hosts around 20 tree species, the most common being Sitka spruce, complemented by Norway spruce, Douglas fir, alder, ash, oak, beech, Western hemlock and Western red cedar. In spring and early summer the understory bursts with bluebells, periwinkles, elderberry, holly and rhododendron, while the riverbanks support willow and alder scrub. Fungi appear after rain, and birdwatchers may spot tits, goldfinches and occasional woodpeckers.
Historic features
- Walled garden foundations – stone walls and a few surviving gate arches.
- Stone bridges – two original bridges crossing the river and a small stream.
- Rath (ringfort) – earthwork remains that pre‑date the estate.
- Remnants of Derrycassan House – low walls marking the former house’s footprint.
Lakeside activities
The forest’s edge abuts Lough Gowna, providing a tranquil spot for picnicking on the designated benches. Adventurous visitors can launch a small boat from the nearby Dring Lake launch point and paddle across to Inchmore Island, where the ruins of a 6th‑century monastic settlement founded by St Columba (Columbcille) can be explored.
Practical Information
- Parking – a free car park sits at the trailhead; spaces are ample during weekdays but can fill quickly in summer weekends.
- Maps – a printable PDF trail map is available from Coillte: download map.
- Facilities – picnic tables and benches are scattered along the lakeshore; a small playground is located near the car park, making the site family‑friendly.
- Dog policy – dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the wood.
- Accessibility – the main car park and the Nature Trail are relatively level, but the forest’s uneven ground and occasional steps mean the site is not fully wheelchair‑accessible.
- Navigation – all routes are clearly way‑marked with coloured blazes (blue, red, white) and signposts at junctions.
- Nearby amenities – the town of Granard, just a few kilometres away, offers cafés, shops and public restrooms.
- Contact – for group permits or educational visits, contact Coillte North and East via the Coillte website.
Whether you are a casual walker, a family looking for a safe outdoor playground, or a history enthusiast keen to trace the footprints of an 18th‑century estate, Derrycassan Wood provides a compact yet richly varied experience on the shores of one of Ireland’s most scenic lakes.