History of Lough Boora

The raised bogs of the Midlands of Ireland appeared after the last Ice Age, around 15,000 years ago. Mesolithic tribes colonised Ireland soon after and one of the most important Mesolithic sites in Ireland is at Lough Boora. You can visit the site of the ancient settlement by following the Mesolithic Route. Click here to see the map for the Mesolithic Route.

For ancient peoples the bog was cherished for its preservative powers – many examples of bog butter, buried to keep it fresh, have been found at Lough Boora. The bogs provided turf, heat and a source of comfort for people in Ireland for centuries.

Bord na Móna mechanised peat harvesting in the middle of the twentieth century and at its peak Boora supplied over 1 million tonnes of peat every year, helping power Ireland’s industries and homes.

Lough Boora is now a sanctuary for wildlife and an amenity for the community – a place of quiet, relaxation and refuge. The Sculpture Park pays homage to our human interaction with the boglands. Cycle and walking routes allow visitors to absorb the unique atmosphere of this special landscape. All around and underneath us is the long story of how people have dwelt on the Boora Bog since prehistoric times.

Lough Boora Timeline

For centuries Lough Boora has given humans shelter, warmth and a unique contact with the forces of the natural world. History, ancient and modern, is around you and under your feet when you visit Lough Boora.

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