What happened Killykeen?

F-Stop

Stayed in Killykeen a few years ago. It was run by Coillte then. Is it still operating?

munchkin_utd

The last i heard it was bought by a private company and isnt operating at the moment. If you cant find any signs of life in trying to book a chalet then the status must still be the same.

dolmen

Chalets all closed up, some work done on forest signs, but really run to ground in recent years. Think the sale deal collapsed. Pity as it is one of Cavan's natural gems, sadly suffering a slow decline, before nature reclaims what's hers.

flanum

according to this, its still up and running... http://www.goireland.com/cavan/killykeen-forest-chalets-accommodation-self-catering-id36079.htm

dolmen

seems like it but its not possible to book Killykeen, other options available i.e. Erne river and Kilcorby log cabins.

munchkin_utd

for those from Cavan, Killykeen is more than a few holiday chalets, its one of the largest Forest Parks in the country, but has had SHAG ALL done to it since a major bust of work in the early 80s when marked trails and a snazzy broschure were created.
There was even changing cabins for the swimming shore on the Killeshandra side of the park.

The chalets and equestrian centre which did get built are of interest to tourists but of next to no use to 99% of people who use the park regularily. Coillte ploughed cash into these ventures but left the rest of the park to rot spending as little as was feasibly possible.
(as is their right, they are a commercial forestry company, not an amenities service)

the first major works since those heady days in the 80s are now planned and backed with 250,000 Euro of financing

No idea whats planned though

€140,000 funding for Killykeen Forest Park
Dec 30 2010

Funding of over 140 thousand euro is to be provided to develop Killykeen Forest Park in Cavan.

Minister for Agriculture and Cavan/Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has approved the funding under his Department's Neighbour Wood Scheme.


This follows an earlier approval of grant aid of 110 thousand euro under his Department's Native Woodland Scheme.

Minister Smith says the continued maintenance of Killykeen reflects the contribution of Coillte to the local environment and to the social well bring of local communities.

source:
http://www.northernsound.ie/news-details.php?nid=5708

munchkin_utd

this article from 2008 documents the start of the planning of the improvement works

Published: Wednesday, 9th July, 2008 12:00pm
New impetus for Killykeen Forest Park upgrade

The upgrade of Killykeen Forest Park in the very near future has been given a significant boost following recent discussions between Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, TD, the Chief Executive of An Coillte, Mr. David Gunning, Cavan County Manager, Mr. Jack Keyes and other senior officials.

Minister Smith spent Saturday morning last in Killykeen Forest Park with the Chief Executive of An Coillte, Mr. Keyes, Mr. Frank Gibbons, Director of Service for Infrastructure, Cavan County Council, Mr. Vincent Reynolds, CEO of Cavan Enterprise Board, Mr. PJ Fitzpatrick, District Manager, An Coillte and George Beirne, Forest Manager, Killykeen Forest Park.

The visit provided a forum for initial discussion on improvements to Killykeen Forest Park.
An Coillte is hoping to upgrade the recreational facilities within Killykeen Forest Park, including footpaths, nature trails, seats, signs, picnic tables and car park facilities.

Minister Smith said that he will be very glad to work with An Coillte to source funding to enable an upgrading of the facilities to be undertaken and he described Killykeen Forest Park as a fabulous amenity for Co. Cavan and indeed a much wider area. He added that the facilities were suitable for use by people of all age groups and were particularly important for use by families.

'This is a most welcome first step in a new process' stated County Manager, Mr. Jack Keyes following Saturday"s meeting. 'The use of Killykeen as a tourist destination is an essential part of our County Strategy . Its location near Cavan Town increases its potential. The higher 21st century standards now demanded mean that a high quality finish will be important.

He added 'I am particularly excited by its potential uses for local people many of whom have great affection for Killykeen. The possibility of developing a safe cycle route for children is one of the many possibilities being examined. The provision of this infrastructure will need the active support of all funding agencies and of Coillte. I am confident that this will be forthcoming.'

'The elected members of Cavan County Council have consistently and actively supported the re-development of Killykeen. I intend to give this project my personal attention to advance this first phase over the coming two to three years.'

http://www.anglocelt.ie/news/events/articles/2008/07/09/28638-new-impetus-for-killykeen-forest-park-upgrade/print

Farls

I haven't been in there in a while but must take a spin in this weekend for a look around, last time I was in (end of last summer) it looked very run down and delapadated.

I'd love to know where this money is going???

bovis

Farls wrote: »

I haven't been in there in a while but must take a spin in this weekend for a look around, last time I was in (end of last summer) it looked very run down and delapadated.

I'd love to know where this money is going???

Hi Guys,
Just been reading up on things to do in the Cavan/Leitrim area. There are quite a few google results for Killykeen Forest Park from tourism type websites. I came across this thread and I was wondering if there is any point in heading up there this spring or summer. Our partcular interest is cycling,walking, etc with kids.

Hi Farls, did you manage to go up to Killykeen and have a look? Anything to report?

Farls

Hey Bovis,

I had a look around alright. The place is fine for cycling/walking around the chalets seem to be all closed and a lot of things were grown over or just in need of some tlc.

It's nothing like it was back in it's former glories of 94/95 though.