Last year I wrote about the lovely Union Wood walk in Ballisodare, and the magical little surprise hidden along the trail – the Gnomes of Union Wood. Recently I went back for another wander, and it reminded me exactly why I loved it the first time.
Union Wood sits just outside Ballisodare and is a popular woodland area for walkers, runners and nature lovers, with trails weaving through a mix of woodland and forest paths.
My first visit felt peaceful and almost secretive. This time it was noticeably busier, but in a good way. There were runners passing by on the trail, dog walkers enjoying the fresh air, and even a few cyclists making their way through the woods. I could hear the sound of kids playing football nearby, which added to the feeling that this place really is part of the local community.
Despite the extra activity, the woods still felt calm. Birds were singing in the trees, and every so often you’d hear the rustle of leaves or spot a robin hopping along the path.
One of the best parts of this walk is still the Gnomes of Union Wood. If you haven’t visited before, keep your eyes open as you walk, you’ll spot them tucked into tree roots, perched beside the path, or hiding in little woodland corners. And the best bit? There are even more of them now.
On this visit I noticed several new additions, including Peader Ó’Murchú- all set for St. Patrick’s Day, which made me smile. It’s clear someone is putting a lot of care into adding new characters and keeping the trail fun for children and adults alike. It really turns the walk into a little treasure hunt, you never know where the next gnome might appear.
The magic of this walk isn’t just the gnomes. There are little touches everywhere; the small library, woodland decorations, and the feeling that the trail is looked after by people who really care about it. It’s the sort of place where kids can explore, adults can relax, and everyone ends up smiling. And even if you’re not searching for gnomes, the woodland itself is beautiful. Union Wood is home to a mix of native oak woodland and forest trails, with wildlife like deer, squirrels and birds often spotted along the route.
If anything, this visit reminded me that Union Wood is the kind of place you can come back to again and again. The walk changes with the seasons, new gnomes appear, and every visit feels slightly different. And honestly, any walk where you can hear birds singing, children laughing, and runners passing by while you search for hidden gnomes in the woods is a pretty good way to spend a day.
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