Overview
Lough Boora Discovery Park sits on 2,000 ha of former cut‑away bog in the heart of County Offaly. Once a centre for Bord na Móna’s peat extraction, the area has been re‑wilded into a mosaic of shallow lakes, reed‑filled wetlands, mixed woodlands and open grassland. The park is open 365 days a year, offers free entry and provides a visitor centre with café, toilets, an information desk and free parking – making it an ideal day‑trip for families, cyclists, birdwatchers and art lovers.
History & Archaeology
From the 1940s until the early 1970s the bog supplied more than a million tonnes of peat each year. When extraction stopped, the cut‑away pits filled with water, creating the lakes that dominate the landscape today. Over the past three decades a concerted restoration programme has re‑introduced native flora and pasture, supporting a thriving ecosystem of over 130 bird species, deer, wild goats, hares and insects.
Mesolithic Settlement
In the 1970s a sharp‑eyed Bord na Móna worker discovered stone tools on the lakeshore. Excavations revealed one of the earliest known Mesolithic sites in the Irish midlands – a hunter‑gatherer camp dating to around 8,000 BC. Finds included axeheads, scrapers, burnt bone, eel and trout remains, and a large quantity of hazelnuts. The site proved that the midlands were inhabited long before the arrival of agriculture. Visitors can follow the Mesolithic Route, which interprets the ancient campsite with signage and information panels.
Sculpture in the Parklands
The Sculpture in the Parklands programme began in 2002, commissioning large‑scale works that use bog‑derived materials such as oak, rusted metal and reclaimed railway parts. The sculptures are deliberately weather‑proof, allowing nature to become part of the artwork.
Seasonal Highlights
- Bog cotton carpets the wetlands in late summer, creating a soft white blanket that is a favourite subject for photographers.
- The Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) typically blooms in late May to early June, adding a splash of purple to the grasslands.
- Autumn brings a chorus of migrating waterfowl; the park’s lakes become a stop‑over for whooper swans and golden plovers.
What to See & Do
Sculpture Trail
A 2.8 km Sculpture Loop showcases more than 20 permanent installations, each designed to weather with the elements. Highlights include:
- Sky Train by Michael Bulfin – a rusted train lifted into a rainbow‑coloured arch.
- Earth and Sky by Alfio Bonanno – a 7 m tall wooden form framing the horizon.
- Boora Pyramid – a striking steel pyramid that mirrors the surrounding wetlands.
- System No 30 by Julian Wild – an 18 m serpentine of reclaimed metal skimming a canal.
- Rhythms of Time by Marian O’Donnell – intersecting circles of railway track that shift with the sun.
- Raised Line, Raised Circle and Burrow Shelter by Maurice MacDonagh & Caelen Bristow – echoing the industrial heritage of the former peat works.
Fairy Trail
A 1.5 km loop beginning behind the visitor centre, designed for children, weaves through woodland and wetlands with whimsical signage and small sculptures that spark imagination.
Walking & Cycling Routes
The park offers roughly 50 km of sign‑posted routes, ranging from easy flat loops suitable for families and wheelchair users to longer circuits for avid cyclists. Five marked routes include the Sculpture Loop, the Fairy Trail, the Mesolithic Route, and two longer countryside loops that pass lakes, reed beds and newly planted woodlands.
Angling & Birdwatching
Two dedicated angling lakes – Loch an Dochas and a second smaller lake – provide tranquil fishing spots for all abilities. The wetlands attract waterfowl, waders and raptors; notable species include great crested grebe, kingfisher, reed warbler, grey partridge (the last breeding flock in the Midlands) and occasional winter visitors such as whooper swan.
Bike Hire & Guided Tours
Bike hire is available on‑site (summer months) at a rate of €3 per hour, helmets included. Since 2023 the fleet also includes electric bikes, making longer loops easier for families and older visitors. Guided tours run regularly, covering the sculpture trail, the Mesolithic archaeology and the park’s biodiversity. The current bike‑hire contact is Pat – 00353 86 889 5194.
Dog‑Friendly
Dogs are welcome on the park’s paths provided they are kept on a leash. The wide, level trails make it easy for pets and owners alike.
Visitor Experience & Facilities
The award‑winning visitor centre houses The Organic Kitchen, which serves Fairtrade coffee, teas and a menu built around locally‑sourced organic produce from farms such as Mossfield, Feighery’s and the Red Shed. Seating is available on a deck overlooking the lakes.
Since July 2022, Julie McLoughlin, a native of Clonaderig, has been the Visitor Experience Lead. She oversees the development of new programmes, including seasonal wildlife walks and community‑focused events.
Yoga classes – every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, local practitioner Edel Johnson runs Embodied Hatha Yoga sessions in the café area, offering a peaceful way to stretch amid the park’s scenery.
Events & Activities
Lough Boora hosts a lively calendar of events:
- Bog Run – an annual 5 km mud‑run supporting the Cancer Fund for Children (usually March). The 2025 edition offers senior and junior categories with registration via the charity’s website.
- Lough Boora 10km Night Run – a moonlit run organised by Mid Ireland Adventure (held in March 2020, now a recurring summer event).
- Charity Walks – Offaly Down Syndrome Charity 5 km walk (March 2024) and other community fund‑raisers.
- Birdwatching walks – led by Bord na Móna ecologists in winter months, focusing on resident and migratory species.
- Seasonal art workshops – occasional artist‑led sessions exploring the relationship between sculpture and the bog landscape.
All events are listed on the park’s news page and can be booked through the website.
Practical Information
- Opening: Open daily, dawn to dusk (year‑round). Free entry.
- Location: Lough Boora Discovery Park, Boora, Leabeg, County Offaly.
- Facilities: Visitor centre with café, restrooms, information desk, free car parking (08:00–18:00).
- Accessibility: Main paths are flat and wheelchair‑friendly; visitor centre and café are fully accessible.
- Getting there: From Tullamore take the R421 south to the roundabout, then the second exit for Birr/Nenagh (N52). Follow the N52 and exit right onto the R357; continue on the R357 for 8 km and the entrance is on the left. Public transport is limited – driving is recommended.
- Bike hire contact: Pat – 00353 86 889 5194 (hourly €3, helmets included; electric bikes available in summer).
- Tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, a picnic for a lakeside break, and sturdy shoes for longer walks. Check the website for seasonal guided walks, yoga classes and special art‑related events.
Nearby Attractions
- Birr Castle – historic telescope and gardens, 30 minutes away.
- Clara Bog – National Heritage Area with boardwalks, ideal for a complementary nature walk.
- Kilcormac – a charming village offering local crafts and a free community‑produced audio guide.
Lough Boora offers a rare blend of natural regeneration, ancient history and contemporary art – a place where visitors can wander freely, discover hidden stories and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Irish midlands.