Rathlittle Woods & Kitchensatown Meadow Trail | D Bell & Jane Fitzcostellia Co.

Rathlittle Woods & Kitchensatown Meadow Trail: Information

Discover the beauty and accessibility of the Rathlittle Woods & Kitchensatown Meadow Trail. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, including those who prefer easy, gentle routes, and even people with bad backs can enjoy these trails.

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Rathlittle Woods Loop

Distance: Approx. 2.5 km (with option to extend via the Bowl Barrow spur)
Terrain: Woodland paths, sheltered trails, light gradients
Highlights: Ancient woodland, Bowl Barrow, birdlife, seasonal wildflowers

Kitchenstown Meadows Trail

Distance: Approx. 1 km (+ 500 m to Bowl Barrow spur)
Terrain: Open meadows, grassy paths, linking woodland edges
Highlights: Wide meadow views, wildflowers, connection to Rathlittle Woods

A Journey Through Time and Nature

Launched in 2015, the Rathlittle Woods Loop is a short but deeply atmospheric trail that leads visitors through the tranquil heart of Rathlittle’s woodland. The centrepiece of this walk is the Bowl Barrow, an ancient burial mound dating back to the Late Neolithic and Bronze Age (2400–1500 BC).

Explore Rathlittle Woods Loop

Launched in 2015, the Rathlittle Woods Loop is a short but deeply atmospheric trail that leads visitors through the tranquil heart of Rathlittle’s woodland. The path winds gently beneath tall native trees, offering cool shade in summer and a golden canopy in autumn.

Discover Kitchenstown Meadows Trail

Launched in late 2022, the Kitchenstown Meadows Trail was designed to complement and extend the Rathlittle Woods Loop, linking the woodland walk to the Bowl Barrow while opening up a fresh, more expansive landscape experience. In contrast to the enclosed stillness of the forest, the Kitchenstown route leads walkers into broad open meadows, where tall grasses sway in the breeze and seasonal wildflowers bring bursts of colour.

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Comments

Eileen Rourke

10 days ago

Great family walk with one small hiccup

We had a really lovely day out at Rathlittle Woods Loop and Kitchenstown Meadows Trail with the kids. The woodland section was magical—full of birdsong, shaded paths, and of course the fascinating Bowl Barrow, which really caught the children’s imagination. The meadow trail was a complete contrast—wide open spaces, wildflowers, and butterflies everywhere. It felt safe and easy underfoot, perfect for families.

The only small downside was a low stone wall along part of the route which meant we had to lift the buggy over. It wasn’t a major problem, but worth knowing if you’re visiting with very young children or mobility needs.

Parking was simple (though don’t forget the gate closes at 8:30 PM), and overall the whole loop took us just over an hour with stops. Despite the minor inconvenience, this is a brilliant family-friendly walk that blends nature, history, and open space—we’ll definitely be back.