Woodland Walk History
Over the years, the upper area of the three and a half acre site had become an established woodland. While there were grass tracks around some areas of the woodland, it wasn’t an easy task to navigate them as they were covered with bramble, were very uneven, and sometimes just stopped at animal dens. While volunteers cleared small areas from time to time, it was not a navigable path.
The daunting prospect of creating a path through the woodland had been mentioned through the years but it wasn’t until 2014 that the Monageer Parish Grotto Group decided to get to grips with the task. With the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Grotto looming, they felt it would be very fitting to install a woodland walk in remembrance of William O’Brien who donated the grounds some fifty years earlier.
Work began and, with the help of local contractors and mini diggers, the 365 metre looped walk was dug out and hardcore was laid. The immediate effect was stunning and the wonderful woodland could now be experienced by the public.
Unfortunately, the William O’Brien Walk is not accessible to all as there are steep inclines in the natural landscape. In order to ease the strain on tired legs, a number of seats were installed along the route so that people could rest and experience the best of the natural environment around them.
As woodlands are very important to wildlife, an insect hotel was added to give a myriad of insects and bugs a home. Because wild animals can be very elusive and seldom show themselves to humans, some lifelike animal sculptures were added along the pathway so that visitors could see the kinds of animals likely to live there. Interpretive environmental signage was also added to inform the public about local flora and fauna.
As soon as the path was installed of course, it was quickly noted that the place was a hotspot for fairies! Fairy houses and fairy doors were seen everywhere. And more fairies continue to move into the area every year.
A small woodland play area suitable for younger children was also installed at the end of the woodland walk in 2015, and this has now become part of the Sensory Path.
The William O’Brien Walk was officially opened by Bishop Denis Brennan on 31st May 2015 as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the dedication of the Grotto, with members of the O’Brien family in attendance.
