Cork's Zipit opens new Kildare attraction

Zipit Donadea near Maynooth is expected to attract 25,000 visitors during its first 12 months of operation

David O'Donnell, commercial director of Zipit Forest Adventures, officially opens Zipit Donadea at Coillte's Donadea Forest Park in Co Kildare. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

Irish adventure tourism operator Zipit has opened its new €1.5m zip-line adventure park in Kildare as it continues the family-run company's growth.

Developed by Zipit Forest Adventures Ltd with support from Fáilte Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund, the attraction, at Coillte's Donadea Forest Park, is designed for visitors aged three and upwards.

Zipit was acquired by Cork family-run events business Cool Runnings in 2021. In a statement, the company said it began exploring the possibility of bringing Zipit to Donadea shortly after the acquisition, and following extensive ecological, arboricultural and design assessments, the project has transformed less than two acres of the 640-acre forest park into a multi-activity adventure destination.

Located just outside Maynooth, Zipit Donadea is expected to attract 25,000 visitors during its first 12 months of operation, with annual visitor numbers projected to exceed 40,000 in the coming years.

Zipit commercial director David O'Donnell said: "The opening of Zipit Donadea represents a significant milestone for our business and for adventure tourism in the region. As an Irish-owned, family-run business, we're proud to continue investing in outdoor adventure experiences that create local jobs, encourage people to spend time in nature and support regional tourism.

"From the outset, we recognised the potential of Donadea Forest Park as a destination that could attract visitors from across Dublin, Kildare and the wider Midlands. 

"This project would not have been possible without the support of Fáilte Ireland through the EU Just Transition Fund and our ongoing partnership with Coillte. Their shared commitment to sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation has enabled us to create a world-class adventure attraction while protecting and enhancing the natural environment that makes Donadea so special.

The project was delivered in partnership with Coillte, with a strong focus on protecting the natural environment. All platforms and structures have been designed to allow the forest to continue thriving while minimising any long-term impact on the surrounding woodland.

The opening of Zipit Donadea forms part of the company's wider expansion strategy. Since joining Irish-owned, family-run Cool Running Events in 2021, Zipit has expanded with new parks in Wicklow and Kildare, with additional developments planned for Monaghan, Cork and Roscommon.