The raised bogs of the Midlands of Ireland appeared after the last Ice Age, around 15,000 years ago. Mesolithic tribes colonised Ireland soon after and one of the most important Mesolithic sites in Ireland is at Lough Boora. What an introduction, if you needed convincing to take a trip there this should do it.
Bord na Móna began working this bog in the middle of the twentieth century and supplied households and industries all over Ireland, it was very natural to see the blue smoke from chimneys and the wonderful smell of turf burning, it brings to mind the old saying “keep the home fires burning”. The turf burning tradition of old Ireland has long past and now Lough Boora is a sanctuary for wildlife and an amenity for the community – a place of quiet, relaxation and refuge.
The Sculpture Park is a very stark and living reminder to us humans of how we lived with the boglands. Cycle and walking routes throughout the park bring us deep into this special landscape and allow our minds to wander back in time. All around and under our feet tell a story of how people have dwelt on the Boora Bog since prehistoric times.
Lough Boora is a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of refuge from our demanding world. If you have a chance to visit I would strongly recommend you do.
Family Ties 
Elegant Beauty
Getting there:
Boora, Leabeg, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7wtVSHEhB2uguoMy6
Beautiful pictures Tess.
Thank you Ray, I am pleased you like this post!