A Forest of Remembrance

The Castle Lake Development project began in 2016 and has seen a transformation of the local forest park with further improvements taking root. Chairperson of the committee Kevin Smith praised the work that has been done to date.

“The amenity is a great asset to the town of Bailieborough and attracts visitors from near and far,” he said, outlining how the park has received new parking facilities and trails including ‘The Peace Trail’.

“A lot of drainage was carried out to the existing trails and new signage was erected,” he added.

The walking amenity boasts many historical sites such as the Bailieborough castle remains, a memorial of those who died at Rebel Hill in 1798 and the graves of the Marist brothers, otherwise known as the Little Brothers of Mary, a renowned teaching order.

Work carried out around the forest included improved steps and railings up to the graves, the addition of a new picnic area, viewing points on the trail and the restoration of Lucy’s Well.

The forest serves as a forest of remembrance, with local school children planting the peace forest.

“This project was a cross border project that originally started up in Derry back in 2014 as part of the Peace Forest Ireland project,” Kevin explained, detailing how trees were planted in each of the border counties since then.

“These trees were planted in memory of the victims of the Troubles,” he said.

A sculpture is currently being commissioned in the forest along with informational signage on wildlife living in the forest.

“This will be located along the trails and will be a great educational asset to young and old,” he said.

The forest is located just outside the town of Bailieborough, Kevin encouraged anybody in the area to call out to take in the views of Castle Lake, stroll around or have a picnic.