Lough Boora Parklands
In the midlands of Co. Offaly, Lough Boora Parklands is a magnificent wetlands and wildlife wilderness that includes more than 50 km of walking trails and Sculpture in the Parklands, a permanent installation that draws inspiration from the bog.
Visitors to the Lough Boora Parklands have many options for walking trails throughout the area. The parklands has three different wetland areas and two angling lakes, all of which are accessible by the parklands' 50 km of flat walking trails. Lough Boora provides abundant natural habitat for numerous species, particularly those dependent upon a wetland and bog lands.
Among the more popular additions to Lough Boora Parklands is a unique "Sculpture in the Parklands" consisting of several permanent displays. The artists who created these sculptures drew their inspiration from the rich natural and industrial legacy of the bog lands. Many of the sculptures were created as part of a high profile Sculpture Symposium, held in 2003.
"The artworks have a sympathy with the landscape. Each artist revelled in the opportunity to make a massive sized work taking inspiration from the history and the working of the bogland," according to Project Manager Ruairi O'Cuiv. What remains is an enduring legacy and popular attraction further enhancing the draw of Lough Boora Parklands.
Despite its popularity with visitors, Lough Boora Parklands remain relatively well preserved. The many animals commonly seen in the parklands throughout the seasons include the Irish hare, fallow deer, otters, foxes, badgers, and hundreds of species of indigenous and migratory birds. Irish wildflowers burst to life in the summer, giving the parklands a pallette of rich color. Lough Boora Parklands also provides several prominent places for birdwatching, including a grey partridge study area. There are also two lakes for angling and a canoeing course along the Boora River.
Another attraction for visitors to the Lough Boora Parklands is the Lough Boora Mesolithic site inside the parklands. Other attractions nearby to Lough Boora Parklands include Birr Castle and Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre. Lough Boora Parklands is an ideal attraction for nature and animal lovers and is sure to provide a wealth of indigenous Irish wildlife spottings.
If You Go: Lough Boora Parklands is centrally located to all the main attractions in County Offaly. It is easily accessible from Slieve Bloom Environmental Park, Birr Castle, Clonmacnoise, Clara Bog, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, Grand Canal and the Offaly Way.
