Coole Park Nature Reserve Opening Times 2026
- Coole Park Visitor Centre: Open Daily 10:00 – 17:00
- Cobblestone Café at Coole Park: Open Daily 10:00 – 17:00
- Toilet Facilities: Open Daily from 8:30 – 17:00
- Car Parks and Trails: Open Daily Summer: 08:00 – 19:30 (during Daylight Savings Time) Winter: 08:00 – 18:00
Things to be aware of when visiting…
Coole Park Nature Reserve operates a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy. We kindly ask that each of us take responsibility for any waste/litter that we may have, and bring it home to be disposed of appropriately.
Planning an event or visit?
All organized events, tour groups, school groups and commercial activities within Coole Park require a permit or completion of a booking form.
At Coole Park Nature Reserve we offer a range of programmes for schools, special public events and guided walks for groups.
For booking or permit enquiries, please contact us by email at coolepark@npws.gov.ie
Coole Park Nature Reserve Environmental Policy Statement
Dogs
Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead in all areas of the park. As this is a nature reserve, wildlife takes precedence, and disturbance must be kept to a minimum.
All dog waste should be picked up and removed, as we operate a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy.
Foraging and Collecting
Foraging or removal of any materials from the park is not permitted without Ministerial consent.
Fires & Barbecues
Fires and barbecues are not permitted.
Lyme Disease
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. 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:
- https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones
- Data Protection Commissioner – Guidance on the Use of Drones
How to get here:
Coole Park Nature Reserve 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 Bus/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.
- Bus Eireann route 51 from Galway to Ennis via Gort
- Irish Rail route 17 from Galway to Ennis via Gort
Contact Us
National Parks & Wildlife Service
Coole Park Nature Reserve
Gort
Co. Galway
Ireland
Visitor Centre
Open Daily – 10:00 – 17:00
Phone: 091 631 804
Email: coolepark@npws.gov.ie
Follow Coole Park Nature Reserve on Facebook or Instagram for updates
Cobblestone Café
Open Daily – 10:00 – 17:00
Phone: 091 630 150
Email: cobblestonecafecoolepark@gmail.com
