Curragh Chase Forest Park in County Limerick, is the woodland estate and lakes around the shell of the 18th century Curraghchase House. It is now open to the public as a state forest and park.
Originally, the name of the estate was Curragh meaning bog, before it was changed to Curragh Chase by Sir Aubrey de Vere. Aubrey Thomas de Vere a poet and author, was born at Curragh Chase in 1814. Curragh Chase was acquired in 1957 by the Forestry Division and in the 1970s was established as a forest park.
There are several special areas of conservation in the park and Coillte is currently involved in restoring native woodlands to important sites in the park. There are 313 hectares of mixed woodland, 8km of multi purpose way marked trails. There are also a number of looped way marked trails in the park to suit all visitors. They vary from the multi access trails suitable for wheelchair users and family walkers, to the longer Curragh and Glenisca trails suitable for those looking for more demanding walking and cycling paths.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy some other well known Limerick attractions, such as the turrets and towers of the 19th century castle built by the Earl of Limerick. The little Kiltulla church nearby is said to date from the 9th or 10th centuries. Northwest of Curraghchase House is the ancient Killeen church.
There are also two children’s playgrounds, picnic and barbeque facilities.