One place I had wanted to visit for quite some time was Lough Boora Parklands, a lovely wetlands and bog recreation area in the midlands. The week before last, myself and the family went along. I highly recommend it.

Lough Boora is based on cutaway boglands, where the idea was to restore these lands, previously exploited by Bord na Móna. The parklands have water channels throughout, supplemented by man-made lakes. On the day we were there, the site boasted Geese, Ducks, Lapwings, Mute Swans, Grey Heron and more. The Parklands are home to Ireland’s almost vanished Grey Partridge, while Hen Harrier have also been spotted there.

But much more than that, it’s simply great fun for the kids. Get kids on a railway track (where there are no trains to worry about !) and watch them walk much further than might otherwise be the case. The place has 50 km of walking and cycling trails – that’s impressive.

The park is full of wonderful and bizarre sculptures, which utilise the old Bord na Móna equipment – including a turf train – to great effect. Children love it (did I mention that already ?).

Go there and see how nature is taking over the place once again. Look at the blocked drainage channels becoming recolonised and the alder and willow trees popping up all over.

Go there, it’s truly wonderful. We’ll be back.

The official website for Lough Boora Parklands is here.