Lough Boora Discovery Park
Routes from 3.3 km to 15.8 km · Flat elevation
About
Lough Boora is former Bord na Móna peat bog west of Tullamore, opened up as a park: lakes, wetland, birch scrub and flat trails across ground that used to be a production bog. The sculpture park has 24 large works by Irish and international sculptors set out along a 3.3 km route, and the Mesolithic route, at 9.3 km, passes the site of an archaeological find made here in 1977. The longest, Turraun, is 15.8 km and is cycling only. The trails are open every day of the year and the main car park is free. Bike hire is run on site by Mid Ireland Adventures, and in the off-season it opens Thursday to Sunday from ten to half four; ring ahead. The pedal-powered rail bikes on the old bog railway are still under construction, with opening expected some time in 2027.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Sculpture route with 24 works across the bog
- ✓Three cycle routes, all flat
- ✓Over 130 bird species recorded, according to the park
- ✓Bike hire and a café at the visitor hub
Tips
- →Leave Tullamore on the N52 for Birr, turn right at Blueball onto the R357 for Cloghan, and the park starts within about 7 km
- →Bike hire bookings on 085 173 5204; off-season days vary
- →Dogs on leads through the grey partridge conservation area
- →Take care on the main road crossing and at the four train crossings on the Turraun route