News

New bat roost opened at heritage event in Coole Park, Co. Galway

Date Released: Friday, August 1, 2025

  • Old apple store at Coole Park renovated to protect Lesser Horseshoe Bat
  • Rare signed book by WB Yeats gifted by the Muldoon family (USA) to Coole Park.

Minister of State with Responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney was at Coole Park Nature Reserve today (Friday August 1st) for a special heritage event. Minister of State Canney opened a new, purpose built bat roost, and on behalf of the State he accepted a rare signed limited edition book by WB Yeats which will be retained as part of a collection at Coole Park.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has managed Coole Park Nature Reserve for nature and as a public amenity since 1987. Coole Park is a former residence of the Gregory Family and Lady Augusta Gregory.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State Canney said:

“Coole Park is a world-class site for visitors, cultural heritage and nature conservation. It is a stronghold for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a very rare species which will now have shelter within this beautiful building that bears record of the cultural significance of Coole Park, and its artistic heritage.

I’m also delighted to celebrate our strong connections to our diaspora in California, which has resulted in this wonderful signed book by WB Yeats being gifted to the State today.

I would like to pay tribute to the NPWS, community groups, local authorities and everyone who is working to secure the legacy of Lady Gregory and WB Yeats here at Coole and in the wider area.”

The new bat roost involved the renovation of an old apple store on the grounds of Coole Park, and was purpose built to protect the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a species unique to Ireland’s western seaboard. The renovation allowed for original features of the house to be retained, including its unique stonework and its beautiful limestone slab floor.

Commenting about the project Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said:

“The woodlands of Coole Park and its surroundings provide perfect feeding and hunting grounds for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. This conservation project undertaken by the NPWS was a unique opportunity to use traditional methods to restore one of the historic structures at Coole, while creating a safe and secure roosting site for this rare and protected species. Projects like this really show how we can protect the future of our most vulnerable species as well as our most valuable cultural landmarks.”

During the event, Cicely Muldoon, former Superintendent at Yosemite National Park gifted a rare signed book by W.B Yeats “Autobiographies: Reveries Over Childhood and Youth and The Trembling of the Veil”, originally published in 1927. The book is a family heirloom and originally belonged to her great grandfather who emigrated to the USA from Limerick. 

Cicely Muldoon said:

“National Parks in Ireland and the USA have a shared vision to protect our natural heritage. This is reflected through activities such as twinning arrangements which bring staff in National Parks together to learn and share knowledge.”

“This book symbolises our deep, historical ties and has been part of my family for many generations. I’m delighted that it will return here to be in this wonderful setting within the magic of Coole Park which has inspired so many visitors, artists and writers.”

William Cormacan, Divisional Manager with NPWS said:

“Coole Park is one of those sites that can be truly celebrated internationally. Today is a day that both our natural and cultural heritage comes together, re-enforcing the importance of Coole as both a site for nature conservation and one at the heart of the Irish Literary Revival. The NPWS, who are the custodians of Coole are committed in working with our partners and the local community, to secure and enhance this wonderful site for future generations, and to develop it as a world class site for nature conservation and culture.”

Further Information

Coole Park Nature Reserve is based in the The Coole Garryland Complex Special Area of Conservation which is of significant importance for Lesser Horseshoe Bats, a species listed in the EU Habitats Directive.