 |
Old sand and gravel surface prior to playground refurb. |
The playground is a popular spot with Corkaghs' younger visitors. It has been refurbished and reopened for December 2020. The sand/stone surface which was so hard to walk on is no more and the equipment has been updated to include a Zip line and mill inspired water play. During summer months and holidays there is usually an ice cream van parked nearby and there are plenty of tables for picnics. I have noticed, in recent years, that many savvy parents use the playground as a venue for children's birthday parties.
 |
Super Slide |
 |
The water play area based on a mill theme has proved popular...but make sure the kids have wellies. |
 |
Oisin loves the Viking theme. |
 |
Mill inspired water play |
As you walk around the park you may notice small wooden signs marking the
 |
Fairies have lived at Corkagh for centuries and the doors to their houses can be found in the Fairy Wood.
|
 |
Bottles and soothers are left as gifts for the fairies. |
 |
Some Corkagh trees have their own name.
|
The Fairy Woods are now home to Corkaghs second playground where the emphasis is on wooden play equipment that blends with the existing landscape.
Throughout the year Corkagh is a venue for activities and events.
Recent additions to the park include a Volleyball net (near the playground) and Diskgolf.
 |
A cycle track has been developed near the Naas Road entrance |
There are baseball and cricket pitches which regularly host matches, and there are soccer and Gaelic pitches at the western and eastern ends of the park.
 |
(I think its cricket?) Enjoying some Sunday sport at Corkagh |
The Baseball pitch at Corkagh was opened in 1998 by Jean Kennedy, sister of American President John F Kennedy and former U.S ambassador to Ireland. The pitch were funded by Peter O'Malley, the then chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Games take place on a regular basis during the summer months and you can check www.baseballireland.com for events at Corkagh.
 |
Baseball at Corkagh |
 |
Baseball pitch |
Dogs are catered for as well with their own enclosed dog run/playground near Oak avenue.
 |
Orienteering at Corkagh |
 |
This area was once a watering spot for horses and cattle but is now a favourite spot with kids in summer. |
 |
The Corkagh Train: not seen in several years but once a great attraction for kids of all ages. |
A popular pet fam operated at Corkagh for many years but has been closed for some time.
There were a variety of animals and birds kept there including hens, geese, owls, potbelly pigs, parrots and exotic birds. It was a wonderful spot and when I asked a council employee
why it had closed I was informed that it was a funding issue. I remember finding freshly laid eggs in the hen house and taking a couple home for breakfast, delicious! The pig pen where the impending arrival of new piglets was excitedly awaited by park visitors can still be seen.
Below are photos taken at the pet farm some years ago.
 |
The pet farm had a couple of geese.
|
 |
'Joyce' was Corkaghs first potbellied pig.
|
 |
Joyce in her pen.
|
 |
At one time there were several African Doves in residence. They enjoyed perching on the roof of the estate offices.
|