Lough Boora Discovery Park is a large outdoor park created on former Bord na Móna cutaway bogland in County Offaly. It features walking and cycling trails, lakes, wildlife habitats and a permanent outdoor sculpture trail. The park combines natural regeneration with art and heritage interpretation, highlighting the environmental transition of industrial peatlands. Visitors can follow short loops near the visitor hub or explore longer routes across the wider landscape. It is popular for walking, cycling, birdwatching and family visits, offering an open, quiet setting in the Midlands countryside.
Baby Stroller Friendly - the paths are well maintained with tar surfaces
Wheelchair Accessible - partially - most of the paths are in excellent condition and sutiable for wheelchairs
Baby Changing Facilities in visitor centre
Easily Accessible Parking
Family Friendly - there's are so many amenities for children, with a fairy trail, play areas and climbing areas to explore
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on a short lead in the park - there is wildlife in the area so it's very important to keep them close
Universally Accessible - cafe available for break/ rest
Lough Boora is accessible 365 days a year. The main car park is free and is generally open 8am–6pm, and public toilets are located by the Pavilion/Visitor Centre area. A visitor hub on site provides visitor information, toilets, a café and picnic area, and it’s the start point for the main routes. Bike hire is available and can be booked by phone.
Quick Reference Guide
Facilities: Visitor Centre/visitor information, café, picnic area, Pavilion, public toilets, bike hire.
Accessibility: The park promotes routes “for all ages and abilities”, with the fairy trail and picnic/play areas described as accessible for buggies and wheelchair users.
Parking: Free main car park (typically 8am–6pm).
Dog policy: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.
Terrain: A mix of tracks and natural surfaces; conditions can vary after rain, so it’s worth choosing a shorter, firmer route if you need predictable ground. Most routes are a tarmac suface so there are plenty of options.
People who want space, skies and a proper Offaly landscape
It’s big, open and calming — ideal if you’re after nature without a “must-see” rush.
Mixed-ability groups
You can build a good visit around the hub area and pick routes that suit different mobility needs.
Families who need an easy win
Plenty of room to roam, with a base area that makes it simpler for breaks, snacks and toilets.
Walkers and cyclists who like options
Multiple loops mean you can scale up or down without it feeling like a compromise.
Photographers, birdwatchers and sculpture-spotters
The mix of habitat, water and land art rewards anyone who enjoys detail and changing light.
