Overview
Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park (pronounced Doon na Shee) sits on 27 acres of parkland in the heart of Moate, County Westmeath. Its name – “the fort of the fairies” – comes from local folklore that lone hawthorn bushes once marked a fairy fort that once stood on the site. Today the park combines a Heritage Park that recreates rural Irish life with an Amenity Park that celebrates biodiversity, art and play. Whether you are tracing genealogy, listening to traditional music in the Teach Ceoil, or simply watching goats at the pet farm, the park offers a full‑day experience for all ages.
History
The story of Dún na Sí begins with the original Dún na Sí Centre, opened in 1985. In 2008 a community group transformed a former cow park into a public amenity, and in 2015 the centre joined forces with the Midlands Amenity Park Association. Volunteers have been central to the park’s development, contributing to everything from heritage demonstrations to animal husbandry. The park’s award‑winning status – including the Midlands 103 Hospitality Award (2019) and a National Pride of Place award for Moate (2016) – reflects its role as a cultural and social hub in the Midlands.
What to See & Do
Heritage Trail
Follow a self‑guided trail that leads you past a dolmen, stone circle, medieval ringfort, 19th‑century farmhouse, fisherman’s cottage and a working blacksmith’s forge. Reconstructed structures such as the Hedge School and Mass Rock illustrate how rural communities survived the Penal Laws.
Rural Museum & Vintage Exhibits
The Rural Museum houses restored agricultural tools, vintage machinery and a collection of Irish musical instruments. Interactive displays let visitors handle replicas of old farming equipment.
Pet Farm
Goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and pigs roam a secure enclosure where children can feed and pet the animals under supervision.
Teach Ceoil & Scéal Exhibition
The Moate branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann runs music classes, set‑dancing sessions and the Scéal Exhibition, a showcase of Irish music, song and storytelling.
Genealogy Centre
Trace your Westmeath roots with the on‑site genealogy service, which provides access to historic records and expert assistance.
Amenity Park
Wander biodiverse trails that wind through native woodland, a turlough (seasonal disappearing lake) and a bird hide. The park also features art installations such as Lugh’s Spear and a zip‑line for adventurous youngsters. The acclaimed Bastion Kitchen café offers locally sourced meals, snacks and coffee, with outdoor seating overlooking the playground.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Festival Mná – an annual women‑focused arts and music festival held in the park (next edition scheduled for 2026). Check the park’s website for exact dates.
- Guided Heritage Tours – trained local guides lead scheduled tours of the reconstructed historic sites (usually on Saturdays and school holidays during the open season).
- Seasonal Workshops – craft, storytelling and traditional music sessions run throughout the summer months.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Season | Opening Time | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| April – September | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| October – March | Closed | – |
The Heritage Park opens daily during the season; the Amenity Park remains accessible year‑round for walks and picnics.
Admission Fees
| Ticket Type | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult (standard) | 12 |
| Child (4‑12 years) | 7 |
| Senior (65+) | 9 |
| Student | 9 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 32 |
| Under 2 | 0 |
| Adult Accessibility | 9 |
| Child Accessibility | 5 |
| Carer (accompanying a disabled visitor) | 0 |
| Annual Car Park Pass | 30 |
| Family Membership (Apr‑Sep) | 80 |
| Family Membership + Car Pass | 100 |
Tickets are purchased at the entrance or online via the park’s website.
Accessibility & Facilities
- Wheelchair‑friendly paths, ramps to the café and accessible toilets.
- Baby‑changing facilities are available in the visitor centre.
- Dogs are permitted in the Amenity Park only and must be kept on a leash; they are not allowed in the Heritage Park area.
- On‑site parking is available (paid) with spaces for disabled vehicles.
Getting There
Dún na Sí lies on the Old Rail Trail Greenway, making it easy to reach by foot or bicycle from Moate town centre. It is about 75 minutes by car from Dublin and an hour from Galway. Free on‑site parking is available for visitors arriving by car (paid after the first hour). Public transport: take a Bus Éireann service to Moate, then a short taxi ride (≈ 5 min, €10) or a 2 km walk along the N62 and Lake Road (no dedicated pedestrian path). The park is also reachable via the greenway for cyclists.
Contact & More Information
- Website: https://dunnasi.ie
- Phone: +353 (0)90 648 1183
- Email: info@dunnasi.ie
- Address: Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, Lake Road, Knockdomny, Moate, Co Westmeath, N37 P271
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with other Westmeath highlights:
- Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens – a 30‑acre garden of rare plants, just a 15‑minute drive north.
- Hill of Uisneach – the mythic centre of Ireland, offering panoramic views and ancient monuments, 20 km away.
- Fore – home to the historic Fore Abbey and the famed “Seven Wonders”, a pleasant 25‑minute drive south.
- Athlone Castle – a medieval fortress on the River Shannon, reachable in under an hour.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early in the season (April–May) for quieter trails and the full schedule of guided tours.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes; some heritage paths are uneven.
- Pack a picnic – the Amenity Park has several sheltered spots and a bird hide ideal for a break.
- Check the park’s events calendar online before you travel to catch any festivals or workshops.
- If you plan frequent visits, consider a Family Membership for unlimited entry and discounted parking.
Plan your visit early in the season to enjoy the full range of guided tours and cultural workshops. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or a family looking for a day of fun, Dún na Sí offers a uniquely Irish experience that brings the past to life while celebrating the natural beauty of the Midlands.