In Ireland, the stories of fairies and enchanted woodlands persist in the public mind beyond just folklore and children’s stories.
These stories of fairies are an important part of Irish community, history, and family. There are plentiful tales told of forests where the spirits of the Otherworld reside, and the gateways to this place one might find while walking through these enchanting woodlands.
Although the world of the fae is smaller than it once was. The mundanity caused through thorough exploration and the destruction caused by deforestation. There are still places throughout Ireland where the old magic can still be found.
So, if you and your family are ready to visit one of these enchanting fairy woodlands in Ireland and can be observant and respectful of their homes, we have five locations perfect for a magical family walk.
5. Lacken Fairy Woods, Co. Wexford – scattered with fairy doors and houses
Overseeing some lovely views of Wexford, there is a hill with a metal cross atop a stone pedestal to commemorate the 1798 Memorial.
While this may strike you as an odd place to start with an exploration of Irish fairy woodlands with your family, that is far from true. Scattered throughout the woodlands on your way to visit this site of Irish history are fairy doors and houses.
The melding of history and folklore found while traversing the Lacken Fairy Woods trail along with the variety of trees and colours to be found along the path lend the place an ethereal presence as you follow the bends and rises to the hill.
This type of magical presence that can only be found through the care shown by a local community, both living and surreal. Making it always important to knock first on any doors you find in these woods, lest you get an angry response in kind.
Address: Unnamed Road, Lacken, Co. Wexford, Ireland
4. The Gleniff Barytes Mill Site, Co. Sligo – sitting in mountain shadows
Knuckled into the shadowed crease of the mountains of Tievebaun, Benwisken, and Truskmore, the Gleniff Barytes Mill Site in County Sligo has not only the blessings of an enchanting woodland walk, but sculptures made by a local artist scattered throughout the path.
Donated to the mill site by a local artist, Gerry Foley, the mill site is a testament to the enchantment found in areas when local artists and the community are able to add to a place. Letting new stories of a place be borne and shared among the families that choose to visit them.
Bound in with this excitement of faces watching from the trees is the opportunity to take a different kind of walk as a family, and go on a river walk up the Ballaghnairillick River, which flows right past the millsite.
Though as with more traditional paths, it must be said to be mindful of your footing and not to step where you should not. Otherwise you may end up in a place you do not want to be.
Address: Gleniff, Co. Sligo, Ireland
3. Darkley Fairy Village, Co. Armagh – will have you believing in fairy magic
Darkley Village continues the trend of the magic of places which are invested in and supported by their local communities, and the magic they can make.
While this quaint family walk in County Armagh might not have you believing in fairies, it will certainly have you believing in their magic.
Opening as recently as 2019, the “Fairy Village” lives up to that name and gives the fairies more than just doors, but a community and village to live in too.
Each house was lovingly built and decorated by the families of Darkley, putting little bits of themself into the work and showing what magic can be made when communities come together like this.
Although a bit off the beat and track for most, Darkey Village is worth the visit to experience a warm embrace and celebration of community. And that even now in recent memory, efforts are being made to make homes for the fairies and welcome them into the community.
Address: 27 Mountain Lodge Rd, Darkley, Armagh BT60 3BT
2. Enfield Fairy Trail, Co. Meath – charming features
A fascinating characteristic of the Enfield Fairy Trail in comparison to the other whimsical woodland walks is that each fairy door comes with a sign and a name for each inhabitant.
While there is the fun in guessing at the names of the fairies that live behind the doors, at Enfield they are rather polite and go about sharing them with you.
In addition to that charming feature, there is also the fairy throne, where children can play and take photos of their own visits to the courts of the fair folk. And experience a magic they can keep with them for years to come.
In being given the names of the fairies that live along the Enfield Fairy Trail and getting to experience the homes of the fairies on their thrones and through play, this culminates in a special gift before going back to the unenchanted world.
And that is discovering your fairy name. Giving children not only the memories, but a name to put it to as well. And if that isn’t magic, what is?
Address: Newcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland
1. Tollymore Forest Park, Co. Down – a different type of enchantment
Located in County Down, Tollymore Forest Park offers a different type of enchantment than the other fairy woodlands described.
One of the oldest national parks in Ireland, and one of the best forest parks in Ireland, it is not a place where the magic is seen upfront and center, but rather felt as you and your family go through this most enchanting Irish woodland.
Open to the public since 1955, families can explore the grounds at their own leisure, choosing their own pace to explore the woodlands.
There is a mixture of imported and local woodland, blending in the old with the new. And although there may not be fairy doors to knock on, there are the very real remains of the castle around as well. A testament to the history and memory of the land.
There is something comforting in the quiet hum of the forest that can be taken in and appreciated with much beautiful wildlife and scenery to be taken in as well, such as deer, squirrels, and even woodpeckers.
Each of these woodlands, while no longer connected as they were in years long past, still maintain their enchanting allure and appeal to them.
Being kept alive by local communities and having the magical feeling that the otherworld of the fairies still remains just out of sight. Knowing where the homes and doors of the fairies still reside, do you feel brave enough to go and knock politely on their door?
Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PR
