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Mote Park Roscommon
Towards the back end of 2020 we had bought a house just outside the town of Roscommon and during these days of limited travel we decided to explore what was available to us on our doorstep. After some advice we were delighted to find a Roscommon Park like Mote Park, which was said to be one of best Roscommon walks.
Being in such a rural destination we knew there would be some hidden gems and this was certainly one of them
Location
Situated a 5 minute drive from Roscommon town centre and 35 minutes from the town of Athlone.
Travelling to Roscommon, train and bus links are available in the area
A lovely little forest with a couple of walking track options and picnic benches. A great spot to get out with the family and get some fresh air. Plenty of trails and to keep you going and enjoy some peaceful time.
A bit of Mote Park history
Mote Park, was traditionally the seat of the Crofton Family all the way from the 16th century and for as long as to the 1940s. Located in the heart of County Roscommon, it is perfect for outdoor activities for children and people of all ages.
Widely known for its forests, which are a important amenity for Roscommon town and surrounding areas. In total the park cover some 650 acres and is home to many species of wildlife. The walking tracks make this so good for many forms of outdoor pursuits including hiking, walking and animal or bird-watching.
Our trip to Mote Park Roscommon
The Start
On entering a map of all the tracks and trails you can take through Mote Park. A great idea to get a start at where you will head on one of the finest walks in Roscommon.
There is a couple of shorter loop walk tracks and for the more adventurous a few bigger loop walk tracks, with the biggest being the 11km round trip. All these walks integrating with each, saving you the trouble of getting lost. Unless you go rogue as I had to with my 2 year old a couple times and headed through the dense forest itself.
A beautiful long stretch looking straight into the forest is you first view. A well paved walkway which was most surprising and very welcomed. The paved way making much easier access for everyone especially for bringing young children.
Another pathway through the forest. A beautiful time of the year with the autumn leaves and the crisp fresh air my son was fascinated with the leaves all over the ground. The sun peers through the trees picking up all those beautiful colours.
The Trails
The first of two trails was the Bluebell walk taking you off to the side and through the dense forest, leading back down the side past fields and looping back to the beginning entrance.
When the bluebells are in bloom it is a joy to be seen a sea of bright bluebells line the forest
The second trail we came across was the Crofton trail again another trail this time off to the other side of the forest and again leading down to the beginning and the entrance of the forest. This trail is slightly longer than the first and slopes down into the forest and certainly a lot more to see
Derrydonnell Wood And The Fairy Garden
North of these trails and you get to Derrydonnell wood a similar tracks to the rest of Mote Park. With picnic benches and great tracks.
The most impressive part is the newly built fairy garden a great place for the kids to wander. A well maintained loop track leading through the forest. See the garden below.
Taking A Break
The forest is perfect for a family outing with as seen below one of many picnic benches along the way and with small tracks behind into the forest the kids would be entertained for a while.
And Finally
The forest is well maintained and very easily accessible for anyone.
We have done all the trails, but past the Crofton trail the forest went on and on and and it connects up to the 11km walking track loop around this impressive 650 acre forest, making it one of the longest walks in Roscommon.
But all in all a perfect spot for a morning walk and get out amongst nature and the crisp fresh air.
Local Tips
Restaurant Tip
All that walking would work up a thirst and set you up nicely for a nice homemade lunch, well look no further than Roscommon’s Rogue & Co.
Situated on the high street in Roscommon Rogue & Co is a trendy cafe offering great food and beverages.
High recommendations the double smash burger and the haloumi burger, or for early risers the smashed avo on sourdough topped with siracha is always a winner.
Equally as a pre walk stop take away coffees and homemade scones are always a hit.
Roscommon Guide
Want something else to do in Roscommon well never fear catch our Roscommon Guide with all this town and county has to offer. Places like Roscommon Castle and Lough Key Forest and activity park feature in this guide.
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Lovely article. Has inspired us to throw on our coats and go for a walk ourselves!
Thank you, its crazy its only a few minutes down the Road and we had never been. We are trying our upmost to enjoy what we have nearby during this lockdown and we are quite surprised 😀
How lovely! The subtle foliage of the fall season really captures your attention, and I felt as if I was transported into the scenery through your photos. Thanks for sharing this tranquil part of the world!
I might just have to wander over here the next time I’m down in Longford. #TravelBlogTuesday.
Definitely it’s a beautiful spot 😀
Some beautiful pictures of some beautiful woods. Sometimes the best hikes are the ones nearby…
Mote Park is beautiful with nice walking trails. It looks peaceful and relaxing.
What a lovely place to have close to home. It looks like the perfect spot to unwind on a weekend. And the cafe stop doesn’t sound bad either 🙂
Exploring your own doorstep never gets old. Especially if it’s as beautiful as Mote Park!
What a treat to have this beautiful forest so close to you! It can be fun to explore things so close to home that we normally wouldn’t do before. Seeing the sunlight reflect off the leaves and the bluebells would be the highlight!
As I was reading this, and seeing the first few photos, I was thinking ahhh what an ancient forest. I bet there’s bluebells! And sure enough :). How gorgeous it would be when they’re in bloom!!