Vistors revel in another delightful day out at Doneraile Wildlife Park

THE stately surroundings of Doneraile Wildlife Park will once again host an exciting day of free events on Sunday, August 20, with organisers issuing an open invitation to come along and enjoy the spectacle.

As with the previous ‘Day in Doneraile Park’ last month, proceedings will get underway with a falconry display in the garden adjacent to Doneraile Court from 2pm to 3.40pm.

It will also see the return of the hugely popular monthly historical tour of the Park’s world-famous gardens from 2.30pm to 4pm when visitors will get a chance to rub shoulders with some famous characters from the venue’s fascinating past.

The day will round off with a performance by the Cork Light Orchestra from 3.30pm to 5pm at the front of Doneraile Court.

Willie John Hallihan, chair of the Doneraile Development Association (DDA) said the previous ‘Day in Doneraile Park’ proved to be a huge success, drawing more than 1,000 additional visitors to the venue.

“The historical tour proved to be vry popular, with members of the local dramatic society dressing up in period costume and popping up like ghosts along the route to deliver speeches and talk to people,” said Willie Pat.

These include King Henry VIII, who appointed Anthony St Leger to the position of Lord Deputy of Ireland and Elizabeth Aldworth (nee St Leger), the first and only woman ever to become a Freemason.

Another famous character who also appears on the tour is Queen Elizabeth I, the subject of Edmund Spenser’s epic poem ‘ The Faerie Queene’, which was written in the 16th century while the poet was living at Kilcolman Castle and inspired by the gardens at Doneraile Park.

“The tour is conducted by trained guides who are versed on the development of the Park’s magnificent gardens and the St Leger’s long association with Doneraile,” said Willie Pat.

“As well as learning about the fascinating history of the Park and its gardens, visitors will also get the chance to record their own bit of history by taking a selfie with some of these historical characters. With the added attraction of the falconry display and live music it promises to be another great day in the Park,” he added.

While this will be the last organised free monthly tour of the Park this season, private tours can be pre-booked at a cost of €5 per head.

For more details of these and other upcoming events at the park visit the Doneraile Online Facebook page.

Visitors enjoying the sunshine and listening to the Cork Light Orchestra in the shadow of the magnificent Doneraile Court building.

Photo by Pakie O’Donoghue. Young visitors to Doneraile Wildlife Park had a great time taking in the sights and sounds of the recent open day.

Members of Doneraile Dramatic Society in period costume take a break from entertaining the crowds to pose with some impressive falcons.

The ‘Fairie Queene’ with some young admirers.

Getting a closer look at one of the falcons.