Top international award for new Kilkenny park

A park that includes Kilkenny’s first dedicated dog-friendly enclosure has been awarded a Green Flag by An Taisce.

Kilkenny County Council were delighted to be awarded the Green Flag for the Kilkenny Countryside Park at Dunmore.

The park, which opened in December 2023, stretches over 24 acres and is located just 5km north of Kilkenny City centre.

It offers visitors three themed walking and running trails along with a myriad of other attractions including two ball walls, a bespoke viewing area, play and exercise equipment, and novel relaxing spaces that include hammocks, and loungers.

The park is also home to Kilkenny’s first dedicated dog-friendly enclosure.

An extensive planting and land management plan was also put in place to protect, promote and encourage biodiversity across the site, and receiving the Green Flag status demonstrates that this plan is working.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, said this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council.

Excellence
This award “acknowledges excellence in the management of our green spaces,” she said.
“I think this award is even more remarkable when one considers that the Countryside Park was, up until relatively recent years, the site of the old municipal landfill for the city and county.

“Achieving an international Green Flag Award for this park will elevate the appeal of our city and county, contributing to the ‘Outdoor Kilkenny’ brand and solidifying Kilkenny’s status as a premier outdoor tourism destination.”

Frank Stafford, Senior Engineer, Capital Delivery Office and Parks Department, added: “It is fantastic to see how far we have come in the transformation of this site, turning what was once considered a negative on the landscape into a sanctuary that aims to restore and protect our natural environment, while also providing a top class outdoor recreational space for the public.

“Achieving the Green Flag is another milestone in the park’s story and it would not have been possible without the continued support of our elected members and the local community, right from its inception, over five years ago, to what we have today,” he said.

Mr Stafford also acknowledged the Parks Team, who manage the day-to-day maintenance of the park, for their dedication to making it an incredibly special place.

Mr. Stafford added, “Since its opening, the park was gone from strength to strength and now hosts the Junior Park Run every Sunday morning while also proving extremely popular with dog owners and young families, it really has something for everyone and I would encourage everyone to visit this wonderful free amenity.”