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Turraun is accessed,
by turning north along the gravel road beside Boora Church which
is opposite the turnoff to The Boora Works and Lough Boora site.
The access route continues on through the site and into Pollagh
village. Do not cross the canal. Taking the Rahan road out of the
village and the first right off this road will take you back onto
the R357.
About
the site
Turraun is an
expansive, wild, open plan site rich in natural beauty and diversity.
The first area to come out of commercial peat production, this 144
hectare site is the most species diverse of all the Parklands
sites. Over 60 hectares were flooded in 1991 making Turraun the
oldest wetland in the Parklands.
With over 110 bird species and 270 vascular plant species, ranging
from trees to reeds, heathers to grasses, Turraun is an ideal location
in which to pursue an interest in natural history, or simply take
a pleasant walk. The sites secluded bird hide, located 300
m from the northern- most car park, is accessed by continuing down
the road in the Pollagh direction for approximately 150 m and turning
down the gravel path on the right (southwards). The hide, at the
end of this path, provides an excellent vantage point over the lake.
With many kilometres of walking paths, including the Offaly way
and locally renowned for its summer wildflower displays, autumn
colours, and abundance of wild orchids which peak during
June and July, Turraun provides a good opportunity to experience
both the wilderness and beauty of the Parklands.
Continuing through Turraun into Pollagh village provides an opportunity
to view this historical bog village. A visit to the church, famous
for its spectacular bog oak alter, should not be missed.
Two car parks are located on site, one at the southern end and the
other at the northern end nearest to Pollagh village.
There are a number of map boards located throughout Turraun detailing
the walking routes and site information boards are also provided
close to each of the car parks.

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Some
f lora and fauna that may be seen at Turraun
FLORA
Meadow Buttercup
Marsh Helleborine
Coltsfoot
Bog Asphodel
Early Purple Orchid
Northern Fen Orchid
Marsh Thistle
Twayblade
Bee Orchid
Marsh Orchid
Common Centaury
Fragrant Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid
Common Spotted Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
BIRDS
Little grebe
Golden plover
Grey heron
Jack snipe
Greylag goose
Curlew
Teal
Greenshank
Water rail
Coot
Ringed plover
Cormorant
Lapwing
Whooper swan
Whimbrel
Tufted duck
Redshank
Pochard
Black-headed gull
Great crested grebe
Ruff
Mute swan
Snipe
Mallard
Coot
Wigeon
Common sandpiper
Moorhen |
AMPHIBIANS
Smooth
newt
Common frog
BUTTERFLIES
Brimstone
Painted lady
Marsh fritillary
Common blue
Large white
Red admiral
Small heath
Small tortoiseshell
Dark-green fritillary
Speckled Wood
MOTHS
Popular
hawk moth
Latticed heath
Dark arches
Large yellow underwing
Garden tiger moth
Cinnabar moth
Angle shades
Treble-bar
Golden spot
Double dart
DRAGONFLIES
Common Hawker
Four-spotted chaser
Black-tailed skimmer
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