OPINION: To the waters and wild - MacManus Estate has it all in abundance

Of the many inspirational quotes that pop up on social media, one that I really like is ‘There are two places you should go often - the place that heals you and the place that inspires you.’

For me, I find healing and inspiration from woodland and water, and the MacManus Estate near Donegal Town has both in abundance. 

For decades, this beautiful woodland walk on the north shore of Donegal Bay has epitomised the term ‘hidden gem.’ There were many people even in Donegal Town who were unaware of its existence, and it certainly wasn’t known any further afield.

But work carried out there over the last 18 months has ensured that this is now a wonderful amenity for everyone seeking an escape from their busy lives. 

I have been visiting the MacManus Estate, also known locally as Rossylongan Estate, since I was a child, and it has always felt very special. The old house and outbuildings are echoes of a different time; the paths through woodland and gardens had a real feel of exploration and adventure. And being very much a tomboy, I was delighted with all the great trees to climb. 

Over the years, I visited it from time to time with my own children, and it was somewhere I went during Covid when options were limited.

Around 18 months ago as work was getting underway, I was invited out to take a look with a view to writing a story about it. 

A small team from Coillte were carrying out the work, and it was clear that this project really meant something to them. The work was supported by Donegal County Council. And most importantly, there was a community group keen to ensure that the important history and heritage of the site was preserved while enhancing the amenity and making it accessible to everyone. 

There was a little rumble of local dissent that any work was being done there at all. Some people were afraid that the sense of sanctuary would be lost. But I was confident that this project was in safe hands.

Having become aware that much of the work was now complete, I took a walk out there on Tuesday evening with the dog in tow. To say I was impressed is a huge understatement. 

The work on the car park and pathways has been done very well without interfering any more than necessary with the natural habitat.

I could smell honeysuckle in the rich woodland air, and with it being late in the evening, the only sounds were the calls of curlews and other birdsong. 

The tide was in and the high water was calm, reflecting the overhanging trees and picking up hues of pink and gold from the evening sky. 

But what has turned the MacManus Estate into somewhere really magical is the stunning wood sculpture art by Gintas Carving. 

Those of us who spend time on the bay are well aware of a notable heron population, and this is represented in the biggest sculpture, a heron that graces the shore just at the entrance to the estate. It is carved into an old tree stump and it sets the tone for what is to come. 

Along the way there are a number of benches carved from the trunks of some of the trees that had to be removed. 

As well as being perfectly placed so as to give stunning views of the bay while still being in the haven of the forest, each bench is an outstanding work of art. The carvings depict local wildlife including squirrel, rabbit, otter, heron, a family of ducks and oak leaves. 

The benches alone are well worth a visit. 

I continued on my walk, reaching the old MacManus house and outbuildings which have been closed off for safety reasons.

The buildings have a lot of potential. Uses such as toilets, a coffee shop or artisan studios have been mooted. 

One local gentleman who is well versed in woodland conservation has put forward the lovely suggestion that each roofless building could house a butterfly and bee garden, creating something really lovely while also playing a very important role in conservation.

The MacManus family who owned the estate bequeathed it to the people of Donegal Town. 

Many people in the Rossylongan area have family links through members of past generations who would have worked in the house and gardens, or through connections to the MacManus family themselves. 

There is a real sense of shared history and ownership of this beautiful little corner of Donegal, and everyone involved in the current project can be very proud of what they have achieved. 

I have no doubt that the MacManus family would be delighted to see what has become of their generous gift to Donegal Town.

As I completed the last stage of the loop which brought me back to my car, I noticed some children on the shore throwing stones into the water.  

I couldn’t help but think back to my own childhood and to the sheer joy that was to be found in such simple pursuits. This wasn’t a nostalgic reflection, it was more that I was pondering how, perhaps, it is through that stripped down connection with the natural world that we truly  find meaning, inspiration and healing.

See the full gallery of photos here, or scroll down for directions to the MacManus Estate and check it out for yourself

How to get to the MacManus Estate

The MacManus Estate can be found by heading towards Killybegs from Donegal Town. Turn left towards Donegal Town Rugby Club / Holmes Beach (shortly before the Opel Garage and Holmes Service Station). Continue until you see a stone wall on your left, running alongside a  housing development. 

Take the left turn immediately after the wall, and follow that road until you see the entrance to the estate. 

Alternatively, you can search 'Rossylongan Forest' on Google Maps.