The park is located on a site formerly owned and operated by Bord na Móna for industrial peat harvesting.
The Sculptures in the Park collection includes works made from industrial iron, bog oak, and stone found on-site.
The park contains the Mesolithic site of Lough Boora, which provided evidence of some of the earliest human settlements in Ireland, dating back to 7000 BC.
The wetlands were specifically designed to encourage the return of rare bird species, such as the grey partridge.
The visitor trails incorporate remnants of the old narrow-gauge railway tracks once used to transport peat.
It is home to a colony of Irish hares and several rare plant species that thrive in the nutrient-poor peat soils.
Lough Boora Discovery Park is a former industrial peatland site transformed into a vast outdoor amenity space in County Offaly, Ireland. The landscape integrates diverse ecosystems, including rehabilitated wetlands, woodlands, and wildflower meadows across thousands of acres. Visitors can access a network of trails specifically designed for cycling, walking, and angling. The site features large-scale outdoor sculptural installations created by international artists using bog-derived materials. It serves as a significant sanctuary for migratory birds, including the whooper swan and various raptors. The park's terrain is predominantly flat, utilizing old industrial railways and bog roads as pathways for recreation. Fishing is permitted in specific stocked lakes, and the area is managed to support both biodiversity and public leisure. It stands as a prime example of successful land restoration following long-term commercial peat extraction.
The 'Sky Train' sculpture, which offers a striking silhouette against the flat, expansive horizon.
Bring binoculars as the elevated bird hides provide superior viewing of the wetland wildlife.
Rent a bicycle on-site to easily navigate the extensive trail network that covers the wider bog area.
Check weather forecasts, as the open, exposed landscape offers minimal shelter from wind and rain.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter without a map or designated trail guide, as the site is expansive and paths can look similar.
Open daily year-round, though visitor center services may operate on reduced winter schedules.
Keep dogs on a lead at all times and adhere to 'Leave No Trace' principles by taking all litter home.
