Lough Boora Discovery Park, located in Boora, County Offaly, is a 2,000-hectare reclaimed cutaway peat bog transformed into a multifaceted visitor attraction. Managed by Bord na Móna, the park combines natural beauty, biodiversity, outdoor activities, and cultural elements, making it a unique destination in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Natural Environment:
- Biodiversity: The park is a haven for wildlife, hosting over 150 bird species (e.g., lapwings, curlews, and skylarks), otters, deer, and rare flora like orchids and bog cotton. Wetlands, lakes, and grasslands create a rich ecosystem, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
- Geological and Historical Significance: The site includes a Mesolithic settlement (6800–6000 BCE), with artifacts like stone axe heads and arrowheads discovered in 1977, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Ireland. Informative panels detail the bog’s history and reclamation process since peat harvesting ceased in the 1970s.
- Scenic Beauty: Visitors can enjoy expansive views across lakes, wetlands, and rolling parklands, with the Slieve Bloom Mountains as a backdrop. The serene setting is recommended for photography, relaxation, or quiet contemplation.
Activities and Attractions:
- Walking and Cycling Trails: Over 50 km of waymarked trails cater to all ages and abilities, including the 7-km Mesolithic Trail, 5-km Fairy Trail (ideal for families), and longer routes like the 22-km Sculpture Trail. The flat terrain is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers in many areas. Bike hire is available at the visitor center (though closed for maintenance in November 2024, likely reopened by 2025).
- Sculpture in the Parklands: A 50-acre environmental sculpture park features large-scale artworks by Irish and international artists, inspired by the bog’s industrial and natural heritage. Notable pieces include “Sky Train” and “Boora Pyramid,” blending art with the landscape.
- Fishing Lakes: Four freshwater lakes (e.g., Boora Lake) offer coarse fishing for tench and roach, with no closed season but best results from spring to autumn. Angling platforms and advice from the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board enhance the experience.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The Fairy Trail, with fairy doors and interactive elements, is a hit with children. Play areas and picnic spots near the main car park add to the family appeal.
- Guided Tours: Customizable group tours for schools or clubs focus on biodiversity, history, or art, bookable via the visitor center (087 9904234). Self-guided audio tours or leaflets are available for independent exploration.
Visitor Amenities:
- Visitor Center: Located at the main car park, it offers information, maps, and a small museum on the bog’s history and Mesolithic finds. Toilets, a water refill station, and accessible facilities are available.
- Coffee Shop: The Lough Boora Café provides tea, coffee, pastries, and light meals, with outdoor seating overlooking the park. Note: The café was closed for maintenance in November 2024 but is expected to reopen by 2025.
- Bike Hire: Available seasonally, with adult and child bikes, though visitors should confirm availability due to maintenance schedules.
- The park is largely accessible, with free car parks, flat trails, and angling platforms. Toilets near the pavilion are wheelchair-friendly. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed to protect wildlife.
- Events: The park hosts annual events like the Offaly Down Syndrome Charity 5km Walk (March) and the Cancer Fund for Children Bog Run (March), attracting community participation.
Atmosphere and Experience:
- Visitors describe Lough Boora as “peaceful,” “spacious,” and “a hidden gem,” with 235 Tripadvisor reviews ranking it #2 among Tullamore attractions. The park’s vastness allows for solitude or social outings, with activities for adventurers, families, and nature lovers. Reviews highlight the “stunning” sculptures, “well-maintained” trails, and “abundant wildlife.”
- Practical Details: Boora, County Offaly (off the R357, near Kilcormac).
- Cost: Free entry to the park and car parks; bike hire and café purchases incur costs.
- Hours: Open daily during daylight hours; visitor center and café typically 9:00–17:00 (seasonal variations; confirm via www.loughboora.com).
- Contact: 087 9904234 or info@loughboora.com for inquiries and bookings.
What’s New:
- Velo Rail Tour: A new Velo Rail experience, where visitors pedal along a disused railway track, is set to launch. This unique activity, bookable via the visitor center, will offer a fun, family-friendly way to explore the park’s landscapes, combining exercise with scenic views.
- Peatlands and People Discovery Visitor Attraction: A €30m project, announced in February 2024, is in development for a new visitor attraction in west Offaly, near Lough Boora or within its vicinity, focusing on peatland heritage. The project’s design and delivery went out to tender in 2024, with planning submitted by July 2024. While the attraction may not be fully operational by 2025, preparatory work (e.g., signage, temporary exhibits, or promotional events) would enhance the Lough Boora experience, integrating with existing trails or the visitor center.
- Facility Upgrades: Following the November 2024 closure of the café and bike hire for scheduled maintenance, these amenities are expected to reopen by early 2025 with potential improvements, such as updated seating, new menu items, or enhanced bike fleets. Visitors should confirm reopening dates via the park’s website.
- Event Calendar: New events, tied to the Velo Rail launch or the Peatlands and People project, will be added, augmenting the park’s vibrancy.
- Environmental Initiatives: As part of Bord na Móna’s sustainability focus, Lough Boora will see expanded conservation efforts, such as new interpretive panels on peatland restoration or biodiversity workshops.
Practical Information
- Getting There: The park is signposted off the R357. Dublin Airport is ~1.5 hours away by car, with bus options to Tullamore.
- Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for trails, especially after rain, and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Check www.loughboora.com for café/bike hire status and event schedules. Book Velo Rail tours in advance, as they’re expected to be popular. Combine with a visit to Clara Bog Visitor Centre (15 km away) for a full peatland experience.
- Weather: Offaly’s weather can be wet; pack rain gear for outdoor activities. Spring and summer (March–August) offer the best conditions for wildlife and fishing.
Lough Boora Discovery Park offers a rich, multifaceted experience, blending nature, history, art, and outdoor activities in a reclaimed bog landscape. Visitors can look forward to the new Velo Rail tour, potential enhancements from the Peatlands and People project, and a vibrant event calendar, alongside the park’s established trails, sculptures, and wildlife. Its accessibility and free entry make it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. For the latest updates, visit www.loughboora.com or contact the visitor center
