Overview
Killinthomas Wood (Irish: Coillín Tomáis) lies about 2 km north of Rathangan village in County Kildare. Spanning roughly 70 hectares (200 acres), the amenity forest is a blend of hardwood and conifer species, providing a mosaic of habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The site is free to enter, has a well‑maintained car‑park, and is popular with families, dog owners and anyone seeking a peaceful woodland escape.
The wood earned the Tidy Towns national award for wildlife conservation in 2001, underscoring its ecological importance and the care taken by Coillte and local volunteers.
History
The earliest written reference to the wood appears in the Earl of Kildare’s Rent Book of 1518, where it is called Kyllen Thomas. Historical maps from the 18th century list it as Kil Mc Thomas Wood and later as Kilmacthomas. The Irish name, Coillín Tomáis, translates to “Thomas’s little wood”, possibly linked to the FitzGerald family, early owners of Rathangan Castle. In the medieval period the area formed part of the royal forests where only the king could hunt deer. The woodland was heavily felled during the First World War, and today the dominant deciduous tree is beech, alongside a variety of conifers planted later.
What to See & Do
Trail network
Killinthomas Wood offers five way‑marked loops that together total about 10 km. All routes start and finish at the central car‑park and are graded as easy, making them suitable for walkers of all ages.
| Trail | Length | Marker colour | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Walk | 1.3 km | Yellow | Easy |
| Fr. Doyle’s Walk | 1.7 km | Purple | Easy |
| Hazel Loop | 2.3 km | Blue | Easy |
| Ballydermot / Killyguise Loop | 4.1 km | Red | Easy |
| Bluebell Walk (linear) | Short | Light‑blue | Easy |
Wildlife
The mixed woodland supports a variety of birds such as great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and treecreeper, while mammals like red squirrels and foxes are frequently spotted. In spring the forest floor is a carpet of bluebells and wild garlic, making it a favoured spot for nature photographers.
Seasonal highlights
- Spring (late April – early May) – Bluebells and wild garlic create a pastel carpet; the Bluebell Walk is especially popular.
- Summer – A profusion of wildflowers adds colour to the clearings, and the canopy provides cool, shaded walks.
- Autumn – The mixed wood turns a rich orange‑gold, offering striking contrast against the evergreen conifers.
- Winter – Mist‑filled paths give the forest a quiet, atmospheric feel.
Nearby attractions
Combine a visit with a stroll through Donadea Forest Park – another Coillte‑managed woodland a short drive away, offering additional trails and historic ruins.
Practical Information
- Access: Take the L3001 from Rathangan; the trailhead lay‑by is on the right side of the road. The exact location can be viewed on Google Maps.
- Parking: Free car‑park adjacent to the trailhead. The lot is modest in size, so arriving early during peak times (e.g., the Bluebell Festival in May) is advisable.
- Opening hours: Open year‑round, daylight hours only. No gate or staff presence; the forest is self‑service.
- Admission: Free entry.
- Facilities: Picnic tables, benches, and basic restroom facilities at the car‑park.
- Accessibility: While most trails are gentle, some sections have uneven terrain and are not suitable for wheelchairs. Visitors requiring full accessibility should stick to the paved car‑park area and the short, level Bluebell Walk where possible.
- Map download: A detailed trail map is available from Coillte – Download PDF.
Note: The previously listed website is currently unreachable and has been removed pending verification.