Main Features of Gosford Forest Park
In 1958 the Forest Service acquired what was Gosford Demesne. Prior to this the Earls of Gosford owned the Estate for several centuries. They were descendants of the Acheson family who established woodland, parkland and edifices on the Estate. Gosford Forest Park offers its visitors paths and trails to see these historical features, and the mix of conifer and broadleaf woodlands, with its diverse flora and fauna.
The Arboretum
A variety of individual, conifer and broadleaf tree species from around the world, many having reaching over 150 years of age. At the northern end of the arboretum flowering shrubs and plants with a sundial at its focal point can be visited beside the Walled Garden.
Deer Enclosure, Heritage Poultry and Rare Animal Breeds Collection
The deer and rare breeds enclosure are on what is part of the remnant open parkland that would have been an important landscape feature of the Earl of Gosford’s Estate. The Forest Service has maintained this historic landscape feature and the Red Deer are one of the three varieties found in Ireland.
The Heritage Poultry are a collection of some of the original poultry breeds that many of our modern fowl are derived from.
Mill Ponds and Gatehouse
Prior to the availability of electricity other methods were used to provide power. The mill wheel in the car park was driven by water to process grain. To ensure a steady supply of water the millponds were created to hold a constant water supply. Although their use as millponds is redundant they offer an ideal environment for flora and fauna that thrive in a water habitat.
The gateway to the original home of the Earls of Gosford lies between the two ponds. A fire destroyed this house, Clonkearney Manor, in the 1600s. The arched gatehouse remains which was designed to house two families, one on each side of the archway.
Literary Legend
Dean Swift visited here between 1728 and 1730, as he was a family friend of the Acheson family. He was one of the deans of St. Patrick’s in Dublin but is more widely known as the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ and other literary articles. Dean Swift’s Well became known as the Holy Well when pilgrims, brought by trains, came here for cures from the water. The Dean Swift chair also marks this gentleman’s visits to Gosford, and Draper’s Hill takes its name from his literary pseudonym.
