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Bogs to visit

This list provides information and the locations of peatland sites suitable for visiting by interested members of the public or school study groups. Remember always follow the Country Code.

Apart from the sites listed below which are open to the public you might also like to visit some of IPCC's Bogland Reserves.

Ardkill Bog, County Kildare

Ardkill bog is only 55 minutes drive from Dublin. Take the main Galway Road to Enfield, where you turn off for Carbury along the Edenderry Road. The farm and the bog are located about 2 km from the village of Carbury. Call into the farm and there will be a guide there to take you on your tour of the bog.

School groups should contact Aideen Potterton, Ardkill Farm, Carbury, Co. Kildare Tel: 0405-53009. Information leaflet available from IPCC.

Clara Bog, County Offaly

The bog lies 2 km south of Clara town on either side of the road to Rahan. The turn from Clara for the bog is well sign posted. Access to Clara itself is along the L113. Information leaflet available from the IPCC.

Knockmoyle/Sheskin, County Mayo

The area lies to the north of the Bord na Móna Works at Bellacorrick, between the Oweninny river on the eastern side and Sheskin Lodge and the ruined settlement of Sheskin on the western side. Access to the site is from the T58, along a minor road adjacent to the Bellacorrick. Information leaflet available from the IPCC.

Peatland World, County Kildare

Peatland World is reached from Dublin on the L2 trunk route via Celbridge, Clane, Prosperous and Allenwood. The Centre includes a museum, interpretative display on raised bogs and Pollardstown Fen, Bord na Móna works and an audio-visual bogland wildlife display. There is a raised bog remnant nearby suitable for school studies.

School groups should contact James Kenna, Peatland World, Teagasc, Lullymore, Rathangan, County Kildare, Tel: 045-60133.

Slieve Blooms, Counties Laois & Offaly

There are a number of access points recognisable by green or brown signs, either from the T9 linking Tullamore to Roscrea or from the N5 from Portlaoise to Roscrea. The best access point to the bog is from the Cut. This route begins 8 km south of Clonaslee on the third class road to Mountrath. Parking facilities are available at the Cut from which access can be gained to Wolftrap Mountain and an area of intact mountain blanket bog. Information leaflets available from the IPCC and the Outdoor Education Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly.

Peatlands Park, County Armagh

Peatlands Park is owned and managed by the Countryside and Wildlife Branch of the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland. The Park is signposted north of the Loughgall exit, junction 13 on the M1 motorway. The park includes cutaway and intact bogs, which can be crossed along wooden paths. A narrow gauge railway is open to the public along with a Peatland Information and Exhibition Centre. Staff lead a programme of walks and talks throughout the year.

School parties are particularly welcome and with prior arrangement, special facilities can be made available. Contact: The Warden, Peatlands Park, 33 Derryhubbert Road, Dungannon, BT71 6NW, Northern Ireland. Tel: 0762-851102.

National Parks

In all four National Parks in Ireland, blanket bogs and wet heathland are the most widespread habitats. Visitor Services include an audio-visual introduction to the park and its local history, extensive displays and photographic exhibitions. Guide books and other information are on sale there. Guided tours are available on request.

Connemara National Park

Access to the park is just west of Letterfrack on the Clifden to Leenane Road (N59). School groups should contact: Noel Kirby, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, County Galway. Tel: 095-41054.

Glenveagh National Park

The park entrance is about 22 km from Letterkenny on the road (L74) to Gweedore. School groups should contact: Ciaran O'Keeffe, Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal. Tel: 074-37088.

Killarney National Park

The main visitor centre is in Muckross House. This is located 5 km south of Killarney off the Killarney to Kenmare road (N71), which continues through the park close to all the main peatland areas. School groups should contact: Bill Quirke, Killarney National Park, County Kerry. Tel: 064-31947.

Wicklow National Park

Sallygap bog lies 22 km south of Dublin on the L94 from Dublin to the Sallygap. Access to the bog is relatively easy adjacent to the entrance to the Kippure Transmitter. The bog is part of the Wicklow National Park.