Pictures: Major upgrades officially unveiled at Kilkenny's Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

A new Inclusivity and Accessibility Enhancement Scheme has been officially opened at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

The new enhancement scheme ensures the estate is now even more accessible, through over 1.5km of upgraded paths and trails, improving user-friendliness and access for all; installation of accessible seating, with age-friendliness and comfort in mind; and inclusive play equipment and communication signage at Woodstock Playground, supporting children and families of all abilities.

The project represents a total investment of €225,000, funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with match funding provided by Kilkenny County Council.

Elected members of Kilkenny County Council, Oireachtas representatives, council officials, community partners, and invited guests attended the official opening event last week.

The council said it reaffirms one of its core values: that public amenities should be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
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“I’m delighted to be here in Kilkenny today to open this facility," said Minister Calleary. "Funds, such as those allocated through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, are provided to develop and enhance our outdoor facilities which are vital for both our physical and mental wellbeing,”

Attracting over 40,000 visitors annually, Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum stands as a beacon of natural beauty, history, and community connection. 

“Today, we celebrate not only the transformation of a physical space but the reaffirmation of a core value — that our public amenities must be welcoming and inclusive, regardless of age, ability or circumstance," said Cllr Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.
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The 50-acre restored Victorian gardens, part of a 1,000-acre woodland estate managed in partnership with Coillte, have benefited from years of progressive development. This most recent phase of work honours the site's heritage while ensuring its enjoyment for generations to come.

Frank Stafford, of the Council’s Capital Delivery Office and Parks Department, thanked Minister Calleary and his Department.

"Since the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was launched back in 2018 over €1.2million had been provided for enhancement works within Woodstock Gardens and the wider Woodstock Estate, and that this investment has been truly transformative in terms of allowing the council deliver on its objective to develop a world class offering that is now more welcoming and inclusive than ever before," he said.

The council acknowledges the invaluable contributions of all involved, including the Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum Committee and further appreciation was extended to project partners, including the Irish Wheelchair Association, Kilkenny Age Friendly Forum, Trail Kilkenny, Kilkenny Tourism Officer, and local residents whose input and support were critical from the project’s inception to its completion.

Chairp of the Callan -Thomastown Municipal District, Cllr Joe Lyons, said: “As someone who represents this area, I am especially proud of the work done here. It reflects the best of local government — listening to the needs of our communities, working in partnership, and delivering results that matter."

In the bright sunshine, there was great cheers when Minister Calleary, in the presence of Cathaoirleach Cllr McCarthy and Municipal District Chairperson Cllr Lyons, unveiled the commemorative plaque and cut the official opening ribbon.

The Cathaoirleach concluded: “To all our visitors — today and into the future — thank you. Woodstock is your space, and we are proud to share it in a way that is open, inclusive, and welcoming to all.”