Families looking for fresh outdoor fun in Kildare have a new reason to head into the trees. Irish Around World readers searching for things to do in Ireland tonight, weekend escapes, or new additions to an Ireland travel bucket list should know that Zipit Donadea Forest Adventure Park is now officially open in Donadea Forest Park, Co. Kildare.
The new attraction was officially opened on July 2 by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD. Set within Coillte’s Donadea Forest Park, the adventure park adds a major new outdoor activity to the county’s tourism offering and is designed to appeal to families, day-trippers, and visitors exploring places to visit in Ireland.
Irish Around World: What’s New at Zipit Donadea
Zipit Donadea brings a purpose-built aerial adventure experience to one of Kildare’s best-known forest settings. The project received a total investment of €1.5 million, including €1.2 million through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund. Zipit Forest Adventures contributed an additional €300,000.
The new park includes:
- Six separate aerial courses
- Ropes, ziplines, and elevated treetop challenges
- Dedicated junior elements for younger visitors
- Treetop nets play spaces
- A visitor reception cabin
- Seating for spectators
- Accessible toilet facilities
The attraction is designed for visitors aged three and up, making it a strong option for families planning active days out. It also expands the region’s appeal for domestic and international tourism, a welcome development for anyone following irish entertainment news and broader lifestyle coverage linked to modern irish culture and travel.
Why It Matters for Kildare Tourism
Officials expect the new adventure park to generate an estimated €9.3 million in economic impact over the next 15 years while supporting 20 jobs at the activity centre. First-year footfall is projected to exceed 25,000 visitors, rising to more than 40,000 annually by 2033.
That matters not just for Donadea, but for the wider Midlands and east of Ireland tourism economy. For readers building an ireland nightlife guide alongside daytime itineraries, attractions like this help turn Kildare into more than a stopover. It becomes part of a fuller short-break experience with walking trails, cafés, heritage, and family activities all in one place.
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A Sustainable Outdoor Attraction in a Historic Forest
One of the standout aspects of Zipit Donadea is its sustainability model. The facility operates fully off-grid and is powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a lower-emission and lower-noise energy solution intended to reduce environmental impact and protect the surrounding woodland.
That focus fits neatly with current demand for greener tourism and nature-based experiences. In a country where travelers increasingly seek out irish hidden gems, forest parks, heritage trails, and immersive outdoor activities are becoming central to the conversation around the best craic in ireland for families and groups.
Donadea Forest Park already draws visitors for its looped walks, scenery, and heritage setting. The addition of Zipit broadens the experience without replacing what makes the forest appealing in the first place.
What Officials and Operators Said
Minister Martin Heydon said the development enhances how families and visitors can enjoy forests while strengthening Kildare’s role as a destination for outdoor recreation. He also highlighted the role of government and EU funding in supporting sustainable local growth and job creation.
Zipit Forest Adventures Commercial Director David O’Donnell described the opening as a major milestone for the company and for adventure tourism in the region. He said the business saw Donadea’s potential early on and believes the new park will boost the local visitor economy while complementing the natural environment.
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Planning a Visit to Zipit Donadea
Zipit Donadea opened to the public from Friday, July 3, 2026. For visitors planning summer outings, school holiday activities, or active breaks near Dublin, it offers a practical and family-friendly option.
It may especially appeal to:
- Parents looking for outdoor activities for different age groups
- Visitors exploring Kildare on short trips
- Travelers interested in sustainable attractions
- Anyone researching irish festivals and events, day trips, and fresh entries for an ireland travel bucket list
For Irish Around World audiences interested in irish culture and craic, the story here is simple: a historic forest park has gained a modern, family-focused adventure experience that supports jobs, tourism, and low-impact recreation. Zipit Donadea is not just another activity park; it is a significant new addition to Kildare’s outdoor tourism map and a strong reminder that some of the best Irish days out happen far from the city centre.
