Lough Boora Parklands

Over 150 Whooper swans have been spotted on the Noggus Bog flood, which qualifies as an internationally significant number.  This shot was taken mid November 2009. 

During the winter months Whooper swan’s can be seen regularly throughout the parklands, however to see such a large number in one sitting is unusual.  

Many of the swans can be seen loafing or roosting on bare peat areas, whilst others are seen feeding on the grasslands within the parklands.   The whooper swans have arrived mainly from Iceland, escaping the colder locations in search of warmer climates and more food.

Why not take advantage of the wonderful bird watching facilities available at Lough Boora parklands this winter!.

Lough Boora Parklands has long been known as an excellent bird watching location.  In a recent article featuring in the Midland Tribune 5th November ‘09, author Derek Fanning pays tribute to the parklands, its history, landscape and the diverse bird species which can be found there. 

A group of ten people led by Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland paid the parklands a visit on Sunday 1st November ’09, to see the many winter migrant birds. The birds have migrated from colder locations seeking warmer climates and more food. The whooper swans have arrived from Iceland and the lapwings from Scotland, Scandinavia and Iceland. 

Offaly Heritage Seminar will take place on Saturday 7th November 2009 at Lough Boora Parklands.  The aim of the seminar is to report on the progress of Offaly heritage Plan 2007-11, and to provide an opportunity for people interested in heritage to meet. A number of key speakers from a range of heritage groups will be in attendance such as Offaly Heritage, Queen’s University Belfast, Archaeological Survey of Ireland, and BirdWatch Ireland.

Two new sculptures, “System no.30” and “Passage” have now been added to the wonderful sculpture area of the parklands. They were launched on the 18th September 2009, following three weeks residency at the parklands by artists Julian Wild and Alan Counihan.

“System no. 30”, by Julian Wild,  involved welding scrap pieces of peat wagons and cutting machinery together, to depict a disk that appears to bounce over the surface of the canal, like a skimming stone.  This is an imaginative and playful piece that looks like a serpentine form swimming across the surface of the canal.

“Artist in Residence Programme” hosted by Sculpture in the Parklands will take place at Lough Boora Parkland from August 31st to September 18th

Artists Julian Wild & Alan Counihan will create two new sculptures, inspired by the industrial & environmental heritage of the peatlands.  Each sculpture will be developed over a three week period.

As part of National Trails Day 2009, a walk will be taking place in Lough Boora Parklands, Co Offaly on Sunday, October 4.

This particular walk takes place along the Lough Boora Parklands Nature Trail, where participants will get the opportunity to view 20 outdoor sculptures, a Mesolithic site and the flora and fauna of the bog lands. The walk starts at 11am with participants meeting on the "thatched bird hide on the cycle path road". For more information on this walk, contact; Tom Egan / Lisa Healy / Helen Darcy on 057 93 45978 or 087 9904234.