Take a stroll around our ecovillage!
If you are looking to see Cloughjordan Ecovillage at a leisurely pace, there is no better way to do than to take a walk along our biodiversity trail walk. The trail walk is a path that works its way around the parameters of the ecovillage and features many of the most exciting aspects of the ecovillage.
Along the pathway, you will get to see our allotments, beehives, apple tree walk, as well as getting to view our community farm, and finally going through our woodlands area. Along the way, you will get to see some of our greatest attractions, such as our Amphitheatre.
On Sundays, guided tours of this pathway go from Sheelagh na Gig bookstore at 3 pm. Tours cost €5 per person.
If you are planning a group visit to Cloughjordan Ecovillage, you can book here.
The Biodiversity Trail follow the orange path on the map
Coach House Square
Ivy-leaved toadflax, stonecrop, cranesbill, hartstongue fern, smooth sow thistle, mosses, and lichens thrive on these old walls, which may date from the 16th century.
Edible Landscapes
Throughout the built area multi-purpose planting provides both wildlife habitats and human food.
Stream
This ditch is an important habitat and just like hedgerows, acts as a wildlife corridor.
Permaculture Edge
Turn right into the allotments towards the community polytunnels. The plum trees on the left create a transition zone, increasing both biodiversity and productivity. Buzzards and kestrels visit here.
The Allotments
Ecovillage residents can grow their own food here. There is also a shared community polytunnel.
The Apiary
Our local beekeepers care for several beehives behind a natural willow fence designed to protect the bees and their neighbours! The apiary is planted with many bee friendly plants.
Apple Tree Walk
This delightful avenue includes 78 native varieties of apple trees from Irish Seed Savers, helping to preserve Ireland’s natural heritage.
Sensory Garden
An interactive natural space being developed by residents for all to explore and enjoy.
Eastern Hedgerow
Hedges provide wildlife corridors – safe routes linking other habitats. Foxes, badgers, red squirrels, hedgehogs, voles, shrews and mice have been seen nearby.
Vegetable Field
Organic farming is better for wildlife and for humans. The Cloughjordan Community Farm is operated on a Community Supported Agriculture basis to produce vegetables for its members.
Knocknacree Wood
To the north, you can see a 200 year old deciduous woodland of mostly beech trees, which hosts 200 more species than a spruce forest. New loop walks have been developed by the community so consider taking your next walk up there.
Northern Hedgerow
This hedge is a rich natural habitat, which is home to thousands of plants and animal species. Elm, whitethorn, hazel, cherry, ivy, ash, spindle and blackthorn grow here. Hedges provide safe nesting places: look for robins, blackbirds, goldfinches, crossbills, coal tits, wrens and long-tailed tits.
Beech Walk and Seat
These handsome trees date from the 18th century and are recorded on the original estate maps. Badgers, squirrels, and birds find a source of food in the beech nut harvest.
Labyrinth
Walk our seven-circuit Celtic labyrinth – and reflect on the natural beauty around you.
Community Woodlands
These 17,000 broadleaf trees include most of the native species, and will provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. Continue along this easter hedgerow, across the stile and follow the path to leave the woodland through the gate.