Lough Boora Parklands

Loch an Dochais hosts the All Ireland Competition for disabled anglers each year. An exceptional coarse fishing lake, it has proven popular and is an excellent site for families and for teaching children to fish.

Loch an Dochais was developed as a small angling lake with facilities for people with disabilities. The lake is just under a hectare in size and has a maximum depth of two metres.

Adult Angling Competition: 11am - 2.45pm Entry fee €10 (payable at the lake shore)

Youth Angling Competition: 3pm - 5pm Entry fee €5 (payable at the lake shore)

- bag limit four trout per angler

- all legitimate angling methods allowed

Both competitions are sponsored by Iascach Intíre Éireann, Kilcormac Development Association and Lough Boora Parklands

Stephen Heery has recently published a new bird report titled 'Birds in Central Ireland - Fifth Mid-Shannon Bird Report'. In the 'First Mid-Shannon Bird Report' (1992-1995), Brendan Kavanagh encouraged bird-watchers in the Shannon area to visit Bord na Móna’s cutaway boglands. In this, the updated 'Fifth Mid-Shannon Report', Stephen Heery outlines the results of long-term bird surveys since the Kavanagh first published his findings.

This report has been cataloguing bird usage in the midlands of Ireland since 1995. Some trends are apparent such as the drastic decline of Corncrake in the Shannon Callows since the first report, and the increase in distribution of Buzzard. Stephen also comments on the development of the Lough Boora Parklands and Bord na Mona cutaways in general.

The second annual ‘Leg it in Lough Boora’, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, took place on Saturday the 13th of October 2012. Runners and walkers alike took on the challenge of the 8km route. Whether they were participating for the first time, or setting a personal best, all who took part showed great enthusiasm and energy, making for an enjoyable event and fun atmosphere. This was helped in no small part by the fabulous weather, which showcased the beautiful scenery of Lough Boora Parklands along the route.

Bord na Móna is delighted to host a special Family Fun Day in aid of Barretstown in Lough Boora Parklands, County Offaly. The Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday August 19 in conjunction with National Heritage Week. The event itself is free – there will be a parking charge of €5, which will be donated to Barretstown – and boasts a wide variety of activities for all ages. It is the perfect way for families to mark the end of the summer holidays before the kids head back to school.

Activities on the day

This fun-filled family event takes place from 12pm until 5pm. The day’s activities include art and sculpture workshops, zorbing, fishing on Loch an Dochais, bike tours through the parklands, storytelling and puppetry, face painting and much more. Read more about our bike hire facilities.