The Fairy Trail: A Heritage Week Tradition in Ballincollig Regional Park
One of the most eagerly anticipated local family events on the Heritage Week 2026 programme is the return of the Tour of the Fairy Trail with Kim the Elder Fairy, taking place in Ballincollig Regional Park on Friday, 21 August.[1]
For many local families and visitors alike, the Fairy Trail has become a treasured part of childhood. Hidden among the trees of the Beech Walk, it has delighted generations of young explorers who have searched for fairy doors, discovered magical surprises and immersed themselves in a world of imagination.[2][3]
What many people may not realise is that the Fairy Trail itself began as a Heritage Week initiative and has been bringing a little magic to the Regional Park for more than a decade.
A little magic takes root
The story began in August 2015 when Ballincollig Tidy Towns launched the Beech Walk Fairy Trail as part of Heritage Week celebrations.[4] The project was described as the first phase of a magical woodland experience, with plans for the magnificent beech trees along the walk to become home to a growing community of fairy residents. Members of the public were encouraged to contribute fairy-themed decorations and ideas, helping create a truly community-led project.[4]
The trail quickly captured the imagination of visitors. Within days of its launch, mysterious fairy stones began appearing along the route, while new residents moved into the woodland before the summer was out.[5] The excitement continued into 2016, when Ballincollig Tidy Towns announced the arrival of additional fairies and thanked volunteers who had helped them settle into their new homes.[6]
From the very beginning, the Fairy Trail belonged to the community. Families returned again and again to discover what might have changed since their last visit and to see which new magical characters had arrived among the trees.
Growing a woodland community
Over time, the Fairy Trail became much more than a collection of colourful fairy doors. Children left baby teeth for the Tooth Fairy, soothers for the Baby Fairy and wishes for the Dream Fairy. These magical traditions helped transform an ordinary woodland walk into a place of wonder, creativity and storytelling for hundreds of local families.[2][3]
The trail's popularity has endured because it combines imagination with an appreciation of nature. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Ballincollig Regional Park, it encourages children and families to slow down, explore the woodland environment and engage with the natural world in a fun and memorable way.[7]
As the years passed, the Fairy Trail continued to evolve. New residents arrived, stories developed and special events brought the woodland to life. Heritage Week tours with Kim the Elder Fairy became a highlight of the summer calendar, helping a new generation of children discover the magic hidden among the trees.[1]
Today, the Fairy Trail is woven into the fabric of community life in Ballincollig and remains one of the most beloved attractions in the Regional Park.
A new chapter for the Fairy Trail
Like many community projects, the Fairy Trail has evolved over time. During the summer of 2025, Ballincollig Tidy Towns volunteers undertook a significant refurbishment programme to protect the beech trees while ensuring the trail could continue to grow for future generations.[8]
Nails and screws that had previously been used to attach fairy doors were carefully removed and protective wire mesh was installed around the trees. Fairy doors and decorations could then be attached using cable ties or string, allowing families to continue adding their creations while safeguarding the health of the woodland.[8][9]
The refurbishment was warmly received by the community. Residents praised the efforts of volunteers and welcomed the reopening of the trail, while local organisations encouraged families to contribute new fairy doors and decorations suitable for the new tree-friendly system.[9] The revitalised Fairy Trail was officially relaunched during Heritage Week 2025 by Kim the Elder Fairy and her assistants, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the trail's story.[10]
More than a decade after its creation, the Fairy Trail remains a wonderful example of what can be achieved through imagination, creativity and community spirit.
Poster with instructions for fitting fairy doors to the trees
Where and when?
Event: Tour of the Fairy Trail with Kim the Elder Fairy
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Meet at Tree Sculptures, Main Car Park, Ballincollig Regional Park
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Families, specifically an event for children[1]
Photo Credit: Vitaliy Makhnanov, Media Producer, All About Us Video, IPPVA Member.
References
[1] National Heritage Week (2026). Tour of the Fairy Trail with Kim the Elder Fairy. Available at: https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/tour-of-the-fairy-trail-with-kim-the-elder-fairy (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[2] Ballincollig Tidy Towns (2019). Welcome to the Fairy Trail in Ballincollig's Regional Park. Archived website content. Available at: Ballincollig Tidy Towns website archives (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[3] Ballincollig Tidy Towns (2019). Innovative Ideas. Archived website content. Available at: Ballincollig Tidy Towns website archives (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[4] Ballincollig Tidy Towns Facebook Page (2015). Launch of the Beech Walk Fairy Trail in Ballincollig Regional Park, 20 August 2015. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/ballincolligtidytowns (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[5] Ballincollig Tidy Towns Facebook Page (2015). Early development of the Fairy Trail, including special fairy stones and new fairy residents, August-November 2015. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/ballincolligtidytowns (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[6] Ballincollig Tidy Towns Facebook Page (2016). New fairy residents and ongoing Fairy Trail storytelling, August 2016. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/ballincolligtidytowns (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[7] Ballincollig Tidy Towns (2026). About Ballincollig. Available at: https://www.ballincolligtidytowns.ie/ballincollig (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[8] Ballincollig Tidy Towns Facebook Page (2025). Fairy Trail refurbishment project, removal of nails and screws, and installation of protective tree mesh, August 2025. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/ballincolligtidytowns (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[9] Ballincollig Community HUB and Café Chico Facebook Pages (2025). Community response to the reopening of the Fairy Trail and appeal for new fairy doors, August 2025. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205679243655722/ and https://www.facebook.com/cafechico (Accessed: 12 August 2026).
[10] Café Chico Facebook Page (2025). Relaunch of the Fairy Trail with Kim the Elder Fairy following refurbishment works, 22 August 2025. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/cafechico (Accessed: 12 August 2026).