We speak to Julie McLoughlin, Visitor Experience Lead at Bord na Móna Lough Boora Discovery Parklands, about what to expect on a visit to Lough Boora and what’s new for summer 2023.
With a natural beauty made up of lakes, woodlands and wetlands, a vibrant bird life, a sculpture park and walking and cycling trails, Lough Boora Discovery Park is the ideal destination for a summer day trip in the great outdoors.
Julie McLoughlin, who is an Offaly native and joined Bord na Móna in February 2022, is currently the Visitor Experience Lead at Bord na Móna Lough Boora Discovery Parklands. She is responsible for delivering and implementing the park’s visitor experience strategy, helping to create positive and memorable experiences for visitors.
“From regular daily and weekly visitors, to once-off visits from tourists, my goal is really to make every trip to the parklands a trip to remember,” says Julie. “I grew up visiting Lough Boora Discovery Park as a child and always loved it! I’ve been fortunate to have a variety of roles within the tourism industry which have allowed me to visit some of the world’s best-known tourist destinations. Along with some hidden treasures like remote islands across different continents, including the Arctic, Antarctica and islands such as Tristan da Cunha (a remote island in the south Atlantic).
“With that international perspective, I am all the more appreciative of the magical tourist spots we have on our own doorstep here in Ireland. To me, Lough Boora is a prime example of a cutaway area that has been developed as a fine amenity with high biodiversity value and captivating natural beauty.”
Mesolithic site
Lough Boora is a Mesolithic site and is one of the most important archaeological finds in Ireland, having been discovered in 1977. Prior to its discovery, it was thought that the first human settlements were near the coast and that the midlands remained un-colonised. The discovery of the Lough Boora Mesolithic site has proven this inaccurate and pushed the accepted date for the colonisation of the midlands back by over 3,000 years.
“In the recent past, these peatlands were drained for industrial peat harvesting,” says Julie. “But in recent times, in line with Bord na Móna’s Brown to Green Strategy and our Peatlands Climate Actions Scheme, we have concluded all former peat harvesting operations. We are now transforming our drained peatlands into naturally wet peatlands that enable carbon storage, as well as restoring biodiversity with the return and growth of various wildlife species (like Breeding Waders or Whooper Swans) and plant species (including Common Bog Cotton).”
Following rehabilitation measures, Lough Boora is now a sanctuary for wildlife and an amenity for the community and visitors to enjoy – a place of quiet, relaxation, and refuge.
“We have a Sculpture Park, which pays homage to our human interaction with the peatlands. Our walking and cycling routes allow visitors to absorb the unique atmosphere of this special landscape. All around and underneath us is the long story of how people have dwelt on the Boora Bog since prehistoric times.”
Outdoor haven
Today, Lough Boora Discovery Park now extends to over 2,000 hectares and has a network of off-road walking and cycle routes within a perimeter of approximately 30km. Various internal looped walkways and routes offer a wonderful vista of scenic beauty, heritage and an impressive collection of sculptures. Through a creative combination of nature and the human hand, and under the direction of Bord na Móna, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Julie says depending on your personal interests, there is so much to see and do for all ages.
“For families, the fairy trail and maze in willow world are most definitely a hit with the children, but adults love these experiences too! Last year, we opened our sensory space, ‘An Portach Ciúin’ which means ‘The quiet bog’. With 2km of a soft bog walk, wet viewing platforms and sheltered picnic benches, it is a great spot for a picnic and the bird songs heard throughout the day are incredible.
“For nature and climate enthusiasts, everywhere is arguably of interest. But I would highly recommend the Turraun route (known as the ‘Blue route’) which is 15.8km and crosses the main road in two sections. This peatland, which was one of the first to be harvested and one of the first to be rehabilitated, is a perfect example of peatlands rehabilitation in action. This route takes in part of the Sculpture Park, the Mesolithic site and crosses the Bord na Móna railway line. It truly takes the visitor through various different landscapes within the park.”
Recently, a new bicycle hire service in the park opened for the summer months, and Julie says this is a welcome addition.
“With 2,000 hectares and 30km of tracks and trails, cycling around the park is one of the best ways to absorb everything the park has to offer. It’s very popular not only for families with young kids, but for all ages who love to be out and active in nature.
“We get a lot of local cycling groups coming through the park on the weekend mornings, travelling out from Tullamore and cycling along the canal to Turraun and into the parklands. A lot of Scout groups, foróige groups, GAA groups, you name it!”
And there are other exciting additions to look forward to this summer. For the month of July, the park will have local author Dolores Keavney’s storybook trail for kids to follow – ‘If I Were a Bee’. “It’s a lovely and educational story about the importance of pollination,” says Julie. “We are also running regular guided photography walks with a local photographer and each walk alternates with the seasons.”
Along with their on-site café, where you can stop off for a refreshment after wandering the park, you can also visit their newly opened gift shop.
Julie says, “The shop stocks various sustainable products, sourced locally. From pottery and books written by local authors for both adults and kids, to beeswax wraps by a beekeeper in Offaly, and greeting cards from the local national school. We try to keep as much stock local and Irish-made as we can.”
Planning your visit
What advice would Julie give to visitors who truly want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the park this summer?
“When we go out on guided tours, to bring the park to life, we always advise everyone to just pause and take it all in and simply be present. We recently spotted a Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a rare and special species. Our biodiversity team was very excited! We also have over 130 species of birds in the parklands. You would be amazed at what you would see in a few quiet and still moments! One evening, as I was cycling through the park, a golden eagle swooped down from the trees in front of me and it was incredible to watch.”
And Julie shares her practical advice for those travelling to the park. “Prepare for the day as there’s a lot to fit in if you’re just visiting for a couple of hours – the park has a huge amount to offer, so being smart with your time is key! Wear comfortable walking shoes so you can cover plenty of ground and take everything in.”
She adds, “Call in to see our tour guides, Lisa and Helen at the Visitor Information Point. They will give you the best hints and tips on where to go depending on your interests. They know every inch of the parklands and have been giving guided tours for many years. They have truly seen it all!
“And the Lough Boora Discovery Parklands website provides information on planning your visit – it’s definitely worth visiting the website before your trip to the parklands!”