Photo: Brian Boyce
Good to Know
Sat Nav: 52.2489, -6.3379
Address: : The Village Park, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford
Parking: Free parking available
Guided Tours: no
Opening Times: All year
Entrance Fee: Free
Voluntary donations are very welcome through Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group’s GoFundMe page
Tel/Mob: 087 241 1209
Rosslare Harbour Village Park and Gardens (Kirwans Garden)
“A hidden Gem”
Set in 4.4 acres of beautiful and well maintained community gardens, the Village Park consists of 5 discreet areas interconnected and characterised by attractive formal gardens and some very informal biodiverse areas that are a delight to explore. The gardens are developed from reclaimed lands by local volunteers of the Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group with the assistance of community employment Tús staff.
A small Sensory garden with beautiful mosaic seating leads on to the Memorial Park dedicated to lives lost in the Aer Lingus Viscount disaster, to others lost during the construction and service on Tuskar Rock lighthouse and to the brave lifeboat men of the past.
In one corner is the entrance to three more informal gardens. A plantation of Scots pines, a former shelter belt for the newly constructed Railway houses in the early 1900’s is now ‘Kirwan’s garden’ of informal woodland and semi ornate shrubbery. The path meanders on to the ‘Landfill garden’ of extensive biodiversity and a developing wetland area, beehives and interesting willow play areas that the children will enjoy. ‘Peter’s garden’ continues into a woodland with a ‘Fairy walk’ to the ‘Hobbit House’ through interesting planting of tree echiums, wild iris and ornate grasses. All in all, it’s a delight to the senses and is testimony to what can best be achieved by voluntary effort.
Take time to enjoy the butterflies, the bees and the birdsong throughout your visit.
ROSSLARE HARBOUR VILLAGE PARK & GARDENS are pleased to announce the recent addition of a new wildlife pond and wildflower meadow into what was originally an unmanaged wetland area in the Landfill garden.
The colourful display of water based and marginal planting compliments the natural aspect of the area. This has led to an immediate increase in the bird life, particularly swallows, goldfinches, sparrows, rooks, pigeons etc as well as the newly arrived dragonflies, frogs and other water based insect life into the area.
This is a very positive addition to the area in such a very short time. Be sure to take time to sit and enjoy the calming effects of biodiversity at work!
(July 2023)
Directions
Take the N25 to Rosslare Harbour. Turn right at the church on to St Martin’s Rd. The garden is 400 m on the right.