building was actively demolished by the state in 1941. Today, all that remains is the plinth on which it stood. Today The grounds are open to the public all year round (free admission). A visitor centre located in the former outbuildings (late 18th century) operates during high season (April to September inclusive). The centre offers tea rooms, an audio/visual presentation on Lady Gregory and the literary history of Coole Park, and also a multi-media exhibition called "Coole Park through the eyes of 'Me and Nu', Granddaughters of Lady Gregory". In 2014, disease forced the felling of many trees in Coole Park for safety reasons, as confirmed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland). Ecology The ephemeral nature of turlough hydrology gives rise to a characteristic ecology. Turloughs have been designated as a Priority Habitat in the EU Habitats Directive. Coole Park is part of the Coole-Garryland Complex, a candidate Special Area of Conservation (site code SAC 252). Since 1990 Coole Lough & Garryland Wood has been protected as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Protection for birds A wildfowl sanctuary, where the shooting of game birds is not permitted, is designated under the Wildlife Act 1976. The park is included in a Special Protection Area for birds under the EU Birds Directive: this site of 520 ha (site code SPA 107) was designated in 1996 because of its importance for wintering waterfowl, notably whooper swan. The SPA overlaps with a smaller Important Bird Area, Coole Park and Garryland complex. Notes External links Coole Park Website W.B. Yeats at the National Library The Lady Gregory and Yeats Heritage Trail National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Coole Park (Garden Survey) National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Coole Lodge (former gatehouse) Geography of County Galway Birdwatching sites in Ireland Forests and woodlands of the Republic of Ireland Important Bird Areas of the Republic of Ireland Nature reserves in the Republic of Ireland Parks in County Galway Tourist attractions in County Galway Ramsar sites in the Republic of Ireland