How to get here:

Coole-Garryland Nature Reserve (Coole Park) is located in South County Galway just 4km north-west of the town of Gort. We are easily accessible and signposted from Exit 16 on the M18 motorway or by inputting our postcode (H91 HF5X) into your GPS device.

Distances:

• Gort: 4 km/3 miles
• Galway: 35 km/22 miles
• Ennis: 30 km/18 miles
• Limerick: 65 km/40 miles on M18 at Gort
• Dublin: 205 km/127 miles

By Train:

The Limerick/Galway train service operates through Gort. You will then need to organise a taxi from Gort to Coole Park – approximately 4 kilometres.
Further information from Iaranród Eireann/Irish Rail www.irishrail.ie  or +353 (0)1 8366 222

By Bus:

No 51 serving Galway/Ennis/Shannon Airport/Limerick/Cork stops in Gort. You will then need to organise a taxi from Gort to Coole Park – approximately 4 kilometres.
Further information from Bus Eireann www.buseireann.ie   Phone: Galway +353 (0)91 562000

Nature Reserve Front Gate Opening Times

Summer: 08.00 to 19.30

Winter:  08.00 to 18.00

 Coole Park Visitor Centre & Tearooms Opening Times 2019

• Coole Park Visitor Centre is open daily from 10:00 – 17:00 until the end of September.
• Coole Park Tearooms are open daily from 10:30 – 18:00.

Things to be aware of when visiting…

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, or ‘Borreliosis‘, is a bacterial infection passed to humans through a tick bite. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures with three life-cycle stages, the smallest of which is about the size of a pinhead. They are frequently found in woodland, moorland and other grassy areas, where they feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are usually found close to the ground, especially in moist, shaded areas. They attach themselves to the host for up to a week and swell as they feed.

The first symptom of Lyme disease is often a rash (Erythema migrans) that can appear 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. It starts as a small red dot at the bite site but may grow larger with time. The centre of the spot often fades creating a characteristic “bull’s-eye” appearance. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. Occasionally, a severe form of Lyme disease can develop and the heart, joints or the nervous system can be affected.

Avoid tick bites

1. Walk in the middle of paths/trails, avoid overgrown vegetation.
2. Wear shoes, not sandals or bare feet.
3. Wear long trousers tucked into socks or boots.
4. Consider using an insect repellent containing DEET. Follow the manufacturers’ application guidelines.
5. Wear white or light coloured clothing to make ticks more visible and inspect clothes every 3-4 hours.
6. At the end of your day out, check yourself (and your children) for ticks. Check both skin and hair, particularly warm moist areas such as the groin, backs of knees, armpits and neck. Pay particular attention to the head, neck and scalp of children. Check your pets for ticks after outdoor activities too.

What to do if you find a tick…

Firstly: don’t panic! Ticks need to be attached for 24-48 hours before infection takes place.

Remove the tick with tweezers, gripping close to the skin.

Wash the area with soap and water.

There may be a bit of redness and swelling after this. This is normal. However, if a rash or other symptoms develop, a doctor should be contacted.

For more information see:

Health Protection Surveillance Centre: Lyme disease page http://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/informationforthepublic/

Drone Usage

The NPWS does not allow the usage of drones on their properties unless specific permission has been granted to do so.  This restriction is in place for the following reasons:

1. Health and Safety concerns for visitors and staff in National Park/ Nature Reserve;
2. Drones can cause disturbance and stress to wildlife in the National Park/ Nature Reserve, particularly during breeding season;
3. The flying of drones impinges on the visitor’s experience of the National Park/ Nature Reserve through noise pollution and potential invasion of privacy;

These restrictions have been implemented with reference to national legislation and guidance issued by the Irish Aviation Authority and the Data Protection Commissioner.

For further information on the national regulations and guidance pertaining to the operation of Drones (Small Unmanned Aircraft), please refer to the following online resources:

• Irish Aviation Authority Drone Regulations and Guidance
• Data Protection Commissioner – Guidance on the Use of Drones

Contact Us

National Parks & Wildlife Service

Coole-Garryland Nature Reserve
Gort
Co. Galway
Ireland

Visitor Centre

Telephone: +353 (0)91 631804

Email: coolepark@chg.gov.ie
Facebook: Check out our Facebook page for regular events and updates

Coole Park Tearooms

Phone: 091 631669
Email: cooleparktearooms@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooleParkTearooms/