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Merry Tree

Plan your day out

Make a day of it.

Walk the woods at Fox's Park, meet the deer, then finish with lunch or afternoon tea at Merry Tree. It's all in one place in Tullow, Co. Carlow, with free parking, so it's easy to plan a relaxed day for the whole family.

Book afternoon teaSee the menu

A short film of the walks (about a minute, with sound).

Fox's Park woodland walk

  • Two trails to choose from: 2.5 km and 5 km, with over 4 km of woodland walks in all
  • Suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities
  • The trail to the lake is wheelchair accessible
  • Access to the walks is free of charge, with free parking on site
  • Explore the looped Molloy Walk, and feed the ducks and the geese
  • Look out for rabbits, foxes and pheasants

Come to enjoy nature and a bit of fresh air.

Meet the deer

The Deer Park is one of the moments families always remember: a chance to slow down and get a closer look at these beautiful animals.

  • Free to visit, and no need to book
  • Deer food is on sale separately at reception, so the children can feed them
  • Loved by kids and grown-ups alike
More about the Deer Park ↗
A deer with her newborn spotted fawnA stag with velvet antlers resting in long grassA deer with its eyes closed in the sunshineA fawn lying in the grass

And there's more

Aerial view of the Maze of Ireland, a hedge maze shaped like the map of Ireland

The Maze of Ireland

A maze shaped like a map of Ireland. Everyone gets a map and a pencil to fill in each county as they go (ages 4 and up).

See what's on ↗
A boy laughing on a slide while his parents toss coloured balls at the playcentre

The Ark Playcentre

Indoor play for little ones, with Toddler Time on Wednesdays. Playcentre bookings are made on the Ark's own website.

Visit the Ark's website ↗
A garden swing seat with a canopy beside potted plants

Home & garden shop

Browse garden furniture, interiors, gifts and plants at Rathwood - Part of the Evergreen Family.

Afternoon tea treats: pavlova, eclair and a chocolate cup dessert

Lunch or afternoon tea with us

Breakfast, carvery-style lunches, coffee and cake, or a proper afternoon tea. Walk-ins welcome.

See the menu →

This winter

Coming for the Santa Train?

Ride the Santa Train through the twinkling forest, enjoy the Big Top show and visit Santa's Reindeer Farm. Make it a whole day with lunch or afternoon tea at Merry Tree.

Santa Train details ↗
Elves and Mrs Claus dancing on stage in the Santa Train Big Top show

A day that works for everyone

Just a suggestion. Mix it up however suits your family.

  1. 1MorningPark for free, then walk the Fox's Park trails (the 2.5 km loop is a good one for little legs) and say hello to the deer.
  2. 2LunchtimeCome and sit with us. Drop in for a carvery-style lunch, no booking needed. Bringing a crowd? Groups of 8 or more can book.
  3. 3AfternoonTry the Maze of Ireland or the Ark Playcentre, or treat yourselves to afternoon tea (booked 24 hours ahead) and browse the shop on the way out.

Before you set off: the walks, the Deer Park, the shop and the attractions have their own opening times, which can differ from ours (we're open daily, 10am – 4pm). Please check before you visit, or call us on 059 915 6285.

Finish with something lovely.

Afternoon tea is the perfect end to a day out. Book 24 hours ahead with a small deposit that comes off your bill.

Book afternoon teaBooking a group of 8+?

Rath East, Tullow, Co. Carlow · Get directions

CallBook afternoon tea