Official Opening of Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum

Inclusivity and Accessibility Enhancement Scheme

25 June 2025 | Woodstock Gardens, Co. Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council is proud to announce the official opening of the Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum – Inclusivity and Accessibility Enhancement Scheme, marked by a special ceremony attended by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, elected members of Kilkenny County Council, Oireachtas representatives, council officials, community partners, and invited guests.

This significant occasion celebrates not only the physical transformation of one of County Kilkenny’s most treasured heritage sites, but also reaffirms a core value held by the Council: that public amenities should be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary said:

“I’m delighted to be here in Kilkenny today to open this facility. 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. The new enhancement scheme ensures this iconic estate is now even more accessible, through:

• - Over 1.5 kilometres of upgraded paths and trails, improving user-friendliness and access for all
• - Installation of accessible seating, with age-friendliness and comfort in mind
• - 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.

Speaking at the opening, the Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council said:

“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.”

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.

Speaking at the event Frank Stafford, of the Council’s Capital Delivery Office and Parks Department, thanked Minister Calleary and his Department, noting “that 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”.

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.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairperson of the Callan -Thomastown Municipal District, Cllr. Joe Lyons, noted

“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.”