peatland heritage sites to visit in ireland · 2016-09-09 · habitats present in this site...

PeatlandHeritage

Sites to Visit

inIreland

Welcome - Fáilte

your journey of discovery starts here...

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visitto a bog. Our peatlands are spreadthroughout the country and a visit to one ormore will provide you with a unique experience of Irish biodiversity, history, conservation and culture. Each site chosenin this passport has its own character and ispart of the fabric of the landscape and thelife of the local communities in which it is located. A visit to any site will take you offthe beaten track to help you discover for yourself the true heart of Ireland - our beautiful bogs and fens.

There are many different types of peatlandin Ireland for you to enjoy, depending on geographic region, terrain and vegetation.Two major types are bogs (which aremainly rain fed and nutrient poor) and fens(which are mainly fed by surface or groundwater and tend to be more nutrient rich).Bogs in upland and western parts of thecountry are blanket bogs while those in thecentral plains are raised bogs. Irish peatlands are located on the western fringeof Europe and tend to be naturally open incharacter and vegetated with mosses,sedges and dwarf shrubs. Trees are relatively rare unlike the peatlands in continental Europe or further afield in thetropical regions of the world.

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1. Abbeyleix Bog, Laois; 2. Ballinamuck (Edenmore) Bog, Longford; 3.Bog of Allen, Kildare; 4. Céide Fields, Mayo; 5. Clogher Bog, Mayo; 6. Corlea Bog, Longford; 7. Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Fermanagh; 8. Doonbeg Bog, Clare; 9.Fenor Bog, Waterford; 10. Girley Bog, Meath; 11. Griston Bog, Limerick; 12. Kerry Bog Village; 13. Lough BooraParklands, Offaly; 14. Mountallen Bog, Roscommon; 15. Peatlands Park, Armagh; 16. Roundstone Bog, Galway; 17. Sliabh Beagh, Monaghan/Tyrone/Fermanagh. 18. Coad Bog, Kerry

Peatland Habitats & Wildlife

Peat develops in landscapes receiving lots of rain year round, inplaces with poor natural drainage and shallow slopes. Somethingdifferent about peatlands is that plants that die there don’t decompose because their waterlogged environment lacks air: theystay just as they are and with time form peat. The peat in a bog canbe as much as 10m thick. As peat and vegetation grow upward,they eventually lose contact with the groundwater beneath; and receive their water only from rain which is a very poor source of thenutrients needed for plant growth.

Irish bogs present a difficult environment for living things. The plantsthat survive in bogs are very specialised and have found ways toadapt to their hostile environment. Grasses and sedges are abundant in damp places while small shrubs in the heather familygrow in drier areas. But soft, springy bog mosses (Sphagnumspecies) dominate the vegetation. They form a living layer over thetop of the bog between 10 and 50cm deep. This upper layer ofmoss is called the acrotelm: it protects the peat in the lower layer orcatotelm and regulates the functioning of the bog. Bog mosses areimportant contributors to peat formation in Ireland and on a day today basis they help to maintain high water levels on the bog.

Layers of dead, undecomposed plants below the protective, livingacrotelm form brown peat. The catotelm can grow to 10m deep inIrish bogs. Successive increments of dead vegetation build up, and,as the years pass, those at the bottom turn black. Active peat growsupwards just 1mm a year. Peat comprises more than 90% waterand so peatlands have a unique ability to store large amounts ofwater. Not only do peatlands store water but the thick layer of peatthat defines their character is also an important store of carbon.

In peatlands, water, peat and vegetation are strongly interconnected. If any one of these components is removed, thepeatland is fundamentally changed.

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Why Peatlands are Important to Us?

Pealtands are beautiful landscapes witha unique biodiversity. Not only are theyimportant for their biodiversity but theyhave key values for climate regulation and for human welfare.

Peatlands cover one fifth of the landarea of Ireland, an area of 1.466 millionhectares. Currently they are degradingas a result of turf cutting, land clearance,drainage, fire, dumping, nutrient pollution, invasive species, overgrazingand climate change. This degradationnot only causes a reduction in biodiversity but it affects the direct benefits peatlands provide for Irish people. The protection and wise use ofpeatlands should be a national priority.

As one of Ireland’s largest carbonstores, peatlands play a significant rolein the regulation of greenhouse gasemissions and global climate. Additionally peatlands have many otherimportant functions and values including water regulation - especiallyflood control, extraordinary biodiversity,and the provision of a livelihood for communities. Peatlands are also usedfor forestry, agriculture as a source ofpeat for energy and horticulture and theyprovide turf for household heating. Unfortunately despite the benefits, Irishpeatlands have been heavily over-utilised and degraded.

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Ballinamuck (Edenmore) Bogcontains a wealth of bog, scrubwoodland, conifer plantationand cutover bog habitats and isa marvelous place to seewildlife and unwind as you walkthe bog road that tracks thoughthis wild place. Flat areas of thebog are wet and support up to10 different species of bogmoss. The effects of turf cuttingare evident with tear pools onthe bog dome formed by cracking of the peat with increased slopes due todrainage at the margins of thehigh bog.www.discoverireland.ie

Location 1km outside Ballinamuck village on the L50581GPS N53.85556 W-7.68442Contact Ballinamuck EnterpriseCo-Operative: [email protected]

2Ballinamuck BogLongford


Abbeyleix Bog is a raised bogbisected by an old railway line.The bog is being actively managed for conservation andall of its drains have beenblocked. Sphagnum or bogmosses are regeneratingslowly. Extensive walk ways(Killamuck Loop and Collin’sBog Loop) through the differenthabitats present in this site including raised bog, lagg, cutaway bog, wet carr woodland and meadows provide a great opportunity tosee wildlife. www.abbeyleixbog.ie

Location Abbeyleix Bog is located off the N77 on the south-ern periphery of Abbeyleix town GPS N52.90605 W-7.35332Contact Abbeyleix Bog Project:[email protected]

1 Abbeyleix BogLaois


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Céide Fields is a system offields that are 5000 years oldand which are buried by blanketbog. Remains of stone fieldwalls, houses and tombs arepreserved beneath the bogover an extensive area. The archaeologist - SeamusCaulfield has interpreted thissite. It story of the everydaylives of a prehistoric farmingpeople, their society, spiritualbeliefs and their struggleagainst a changing environment. www.museumsof-mayo.com/ceide.htm andwww.heritageireland.ie

Location 8 kilometres northwestof Ballycastle on the R314GPS N54.30833 W-9.45619Contact Céide Fields VisitorCentre: [email protected] [email protected]

4Céide FieldsMayo


Lodge Bog is a raised bog andis part of the Bog of Allen Complex. The site containshummocks and hollows ofSphagnum mosses and ismade up of almost 98% water.Heathers, Lichens, Mosses andSedges are found in abundance including insect eating sundews. Curlew can beheard calling on the bog inSpring. The rare large heathbutterfly breeds on Lodge Bog.Swampy birch woodlands richin blueberries are also found onthe site. www.ipcc.ie


3 Bog of AllenKildare

Location 6km from Allenwood or 10km fromRathangan on the R414GPS N53.28238 W-6.93078 Contact Bog of Allen NatureCentre: [email protected]

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Corlea Bog is a remnant raisedbog which encloses a famousIron Age (148B.C.) bog togheror trackway. A boardwalkacross the bog follows the original route of this archaeological feature whichwas excavated by the late Proferssor Barry Raftery.Heathers, Lichens, Mosses andSedges are found on the bogland. Inside the visitor centre, an 18-metre stretch ofthe original oak road is on permanent display. www.heritageireland.ie

Location 3km west of Kenaghvillage off the R397GPS N53.61232 W-7.84462Contact Corlea Trackway VisitorCentre Centre: [email protected]

6Corlea BogLongford


Clogher Bog contains a wonderful variety of birdlife,plant and animal life. The bog isjust part of a varying landscapeof hedgerows, woodland andfen which can be explored fromquiet country lanes and bogtracks. This living, breathing,unspoilt bogland is teemingwith wildlife. The views of theParty Mountains to the southand the unmistakable cone ofCroagh Patrick to the west areamazing. www.clogherheritage.com

Location Carrowmore South,(12km south of Castlebar andeast of Ballintubber Abbey). GPS N53.76312 W-9.24645 Contact Clogher Heritage:[email protected]

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Doonbeg Bog is an extensivearea of raised bog habitat.There are some intact domes ofraised bog but a large proportion of the bog is cutaway. Both machine andhand cutting of turf is carried onin this region and there areplenty of opportunities to enjoythe cultural traditions as well asthe flora and fauna that has regenerated in areas wherecutting is finished. Such areascan be dominated by bog cotton. www.doonbeginfo.com

Location Doonbeg is on N67 between Kilkee and MilltownMalbay. Park at church.GPS N52.73010 W-9.53098Contact [email protected]

8Doonbeg BogClare

Cuilcagh Mountain Park is265ha in extent and containsinternationally important areasof pristine blanket bog. It is arefuge for rare or endangeredplants and birds. Golden ploverbreed in this area and Greenland white-fronted geeseoccasionally roost here. Otherbirds in the area are the merlin,ring ouzel and dunlin. Some ofthe more common plants areSphagnum mosses, heathersand sundew. Rare plants include starry saxifrage, stiffsedge, alpine clubmoss, anddwarf willow. www.marblearch-cavesgeopark.com/

Location Marble Arch Road,west of the A509/N3GPS N53.61232 W-7.84462Contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre: [email protected]

7 Cuilcagh MPFermanagh


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10Girley BogMeath


Girley Bog is a raised bog surrounded by birch woods.The bog is rich in Sphagnum orbog mosses which form hummocks and hollows. Thereare fine views from the dome ofthe bog to the Slieve na Cailliagh hills, where theLoughcrew passage tombs arelocated. Lizards, newts andfrogs can be found in the bog. Orchids are common on grassland paths along the loopwalk and bog plants such assundew, bog asphodel, bogrosemary and bog cotton areabundant. www.causey.ie andwww.ipcc.ie

Location 7.5km south west ofKells off the N52 GPS N53.68483 W-6.94971Contact Matt Murtagh CauseyFarm: [email protected] or IPCC:[email protected]

An alkaline fen located besidethe Church in Fenor village.The bog lies in a depressionoverlooked by Ballyscanlon Hillwhich rises to an elevation of148m. The bog is a storehouseof natural variety with wetwoodland dominated by willowand alder, undulating greatertussock sedge vegetation andflat wet wild flower areas. Over200 species of plant, bird, insect and animal have beenrecorded on the site. The fen isowned and managed by IPCCand MFDA. www.ipcc.ie

Location 5km west of Tramorejust off the Dungarvan RoadR675 in Fenor VillageGPS N52.16181 W-7.22456Contact Rita Byrne:[email protected]

9 Fenor BogWaterford


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12Kerry Bog VillageKerry

Location On the N70 Ring ofKerry between Killorglin andGlenbeighGPS N52.07349 W-9.88177Contact Kerry Bog Village Museum: [email protected]

The Kerry Bog Village, locatedon the beautiful Ring of Kerrygives you a fascinating insightinto how people lived andworked in Ireland in the 18thCentury. See the bog poniesand experience a walk on aKerry bog with all its interestingwildlife. www.kerrybogvillage.ie

Griston Bog contains raisedbog and fen habitats. The bogcomes alive with plants and insects in summer. The Blue Emperor Dragonfly, numerousbutterflies and 75 bird speciessurvive here, including HenHarrier, Barn Owl and Kingfisher. Long Eared Owlsnest nearby and hunt the bog inthe evenings. Plants includeLing Heather and Hare`s TailCotton Grass. Frogs, Lizardsand Newts are common.www.ballyhouraoutdoorclass-room.com

Location 1 km south Ballylanderson the road to Glenroe. Turn offR513 at McDermott’s Pub.GPS N52.36091 W-8.35294Contact Ballyhoura Heritage &Environment: [email protected]

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Griston BogLimerick

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Peatland Passport: Ireland 2120 Peatland Passport: Ireland

Lough Boora Parklands are abeautiful landscape at the centre of Ireland - a paradisefor outdoor enthusiasts.Through a creative combinationof nature and the human handnew habitats are emerging onthe cutaway bogs of Co. Offaly.Lands cloaked with great raisedbogs for 10,000 years are atthe dawn of a new era. Bogsharvested by Bord na Móna forenergy since the 1940s are establishing as unique and welcoming habitats for a widerange of flora and fauna.www.loughbooraparklands.ie

Location 7km from Blueball onR357 to Cloghan/Shannonbridge. GPS N53.220527 W-7.727165Contact Lough Boora Parklands:[email protected]

13 Lough Boora ParklandsOffaly

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Lough Allen Bog is uniquely seton the shores of Lough Allen.There are a variety of habitatsto see here including raisedbog, grassland and lake shore.Species of note at this site include the rare Irish LadiesTresses Orchid and the endangered Marsh Fritillary butterfly. The site is in privateownership and it is essentialthat intending visitors contactthe owner by telephone prior totheir visit (Tommy Earley on Tel: 086-2536672).

Location On the R280 fromManorhamilton to Drumshamboclose to the junction with theR285 to Keadue. GPS N54.071124 W-8.073148Contact Tommy Earley Tel: 086-2536672

14Mountallen BogRoscommon

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Peatlands Park raises awarenessof peatland habitat issues. Thepeat here has been forming for10,000 years. The park is rich ininsects - butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies andmany woodland and wetlandbirds nest here. Badgers andhares are also present, whilelizards and newts live in openbog areas. The Bog Garden contains much of the flora andfauna of peatland habitat.www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/biodiver-sity/habitats2/peatlands.htmwww.discovernorthernireland.com/Peatlands-Park-Dungannon-P2847

Location Exit 13 off theM1(Northern Ireland) south ofLough Neagh onto DerryhubbertRoad GPS N54.48390 W-6.61516Contact [email protected]

15 Peatlands ParkArmagh


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Roundstone bog is a complexof Atlantic blanket bog andlakes. This great wilderness isof international, ecological andhistorical importance. It's edgedby the Atlantic at the south andwest and to the north, it is overlooked by the Twelve Bensmountain range. At its southeast corner the bog givesway to the craggy slopes ofErrisbeg mountain. It's important for its nesting Grousepopulation and is home to awide range of important bogflora such as St Dabeoc'sHeath.www.connemara.ie

Location Between Clifden andRoundstone off the R341GPS N53.45297 W-9.94940Contact [email protected]

Roundstone BogGalway 16

Sliabh Beagh/Braggan is amountainous area straddlingthe borders of Monaghan, Fermanagh and Tyrone. Thepoint where the three countiesmeet, is known as "ThreeCounty Hollow" and offerspanoramic views. Slieve Beaghhas many low, smooth summits.The highest is at 380m. Thearea is mainly blanket bog, withmany small lakes and streamsthroughout. In Northern Ireland,much of Slieve Beagh has beendesignated as a Special Area ofConservation. www.knockatallon.com

Location Off the L1000 northwest of Monaghan TownGPS N54.32373 W-7.10128Contact Sliabh Beagh Hotel &Tourism Centre:[email protected]

Sliabh Beagh/BragganMonaghan/Tyrone/Fermanagh17


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The moss-rich, blanket boghabitat that is present on CoadBog is what makes it special.Coad Bog typically has agrassy appearance as it is covered over with Moor Grass.The wet centre of the bog isquaking under foot and has anabundance of Sphagnummosses, insect eating Sundewsand Bog Cotton. Frogs andSnipe are seen in the wetareas. Coad Bog is full ofwildlife with over 200 species ofplants and animals recorded onthe bog. The Kerry Way passesnorth of the bog. www.ipcc.ie


Coad BogKerry

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Location On the N70 (Wild Atlantic Way/ Ring of Kerry)Between sneem and CaherdanielGPS N51.774890 W-10.056970Contact IPCC [email protected]

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Guidelines for Safe Bog Visits

Although people can walk on peatlands, itis better to think of peatlands as water bodies with a high organic content. Soplease stick to the marked routes duringyour visit and help preserve and protecteach site and its wildlife so that future generations can enjoy them too. We askyou to follow these guidelines:

* It is dangerous to walk on a bog surfaceowing to hidden ditches, soft wet ground,tree stumps and brambles. Please usepaths and boardwalks provided.

* Dumping of rubbish and personal itemsis prohibited as they damage a bog andspoil the environment.

* Walking pets without a lead, camping,fires and the use of motorised vehicleson bogs are prohibited as they disturbwildlife.

* It is an offense to feed or molest wildlifeor remove or otherwise disturb any natural feature or plant on a bog.

* “Pursuant to the provisions of the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1995, the occupiers of these premises puts all visitors to his premises on notice that hissole duties to them are: (a) not to injurethe visitor or damage the property of thevisitor intentionally, and (b) not to act withreckless disregard for the visitor or theproperty of the visitor.”

* You can educate yourself further on howto lessen your impact on the environmentby visiting www.leavenotraceireland.org.


Bird Watching Hide

Boardwalk

National Loop Walk

Rubber Stamp

Hiking Trail

Tourist Information

Driving Tour or Route

Disabled Access

Parking

Shelter

Dogs on a Lead Bog Train

Playground

Visitor Centre

Gardens

Education Programmes

Bike Touring Route

Self-guiding Trail

Toilets Open Year Round

Seasonal Opening

Cafe

Gift Shop

Viewing Point

WiFi Available Picnic Tables

Restaurant

Vending Machine


Key to Symbols Used in Passport

Thank You to our SponsorsIPCC wish to thank and acknowledge the support of ourFriends of the Bog in the realisation of this Peatland Passportfor Ireland. We wish to acknowledge and thank all of the peatland sites for joining the Peatland Network of Ireland.

Further InformationAccommodation: www.discoverireland.iePeatlands: www.ipcc.ie

Photograph AcknowledgementsUnless stated otherwise all photographs © Catherine O’Connell, Irish Peatland Conservation Council

© 2016 Irish Peatland Conservation CouncilBog of Allen Nature Centre, LullymoreRathangan, Co. Kildare, Irelandwww.ipcc.ie


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peatland heritage sites to visit in ireland · 2016-09-09 · habitats present in this site...

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