Latest News

A Bank Vole, photographed this morning by Kevin and Josephine in Lough Boora.
Well spotted guys.

The Bank Vole was first discovered in Ireland as recently as 1964 in Co Kerry. There is good evidence from genetic studies that it was introduced in the 1920s with machinery imported from Germany for the building of the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric station, upstream of Limerick, and it had been breeding in Munster since then.

After a slow start the species spread across a number of counties at a rate of about 1.5km per year, fastest in areas of dense vegetation. Quite quickly it became an important prey item for several birds of prey, notably the kestrel and the barn owl. These birds represent flagship species for farmland conservation. Barn owls (often called “white owls” locally) are fascinating birds that may breed surprisingly close to people but can suffer seriously as a result. Reduction of hunting areas due to agricultural intensification, road collision casualties, poisoning by rodenticides and the loss of nest sites in old buildings are just some of the pressures on them.
#bankvole #invasivespecies #rodent ... See MoreSee Less

A huge thanks to everyone that supported and helped out on the morning of Darkness into Light.
This event raised the huge amount of €9787 .
Thanks to everyone for such amazing generosity.

#darknessintolight #5k #hope
Pieta. Ending Suicide. Beginning Hope ... See MoreSee Less

🚫🚫Attention🚫🚫
Recreation users of Lough Boora Discovery Park.
Please note swimming or bathing or any other water activities are not permitted in Finnamore or any of Lough Boora’s lakes.

While the open water may look very inviting over this fine spell of weather.
These lakes are extremely dangerous and not suitable for swimming.

The water is stained dark brown or black by dissolved organic carbon and peat sediments. This completely hides underwater hazards like sharp tree roots, submerged logs, and sudden, extreme drop-offs.Floating Bogs & Vegetation Mats:

Suction Effect: The bottom of a bog lake consists of deep, soft, decaying plant material. Standing up can cause you to sink rapidly into the silt, acting like quicksand and pinning your legs.

Water Temperature & Health Risks .
Extreme Cold Shock: Peat water absorbs heat poorly. While the top few inches might feel warm, the water deeper down remains intensely cold, triggering sudden cold shock, muscle failure, and hypothermia.

Entanglement: Thick underwater reeds and sub-surface bog plants easily tangle around a swimmer's legs, increasing panicking and drowning risks.

Waterborne Irritants: Stagnant or low-lying bog pools can harbor parasites that cause swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) or harmful blue-green algae blooms during warm weather.

Under currents and spings are a major factor that will cause difficulties.

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Road tripping with my favourite allies! 🚗 🛴
We have scooters, fishing nets, snacks, water and sun screen packed and on the road heading to one of our favourite family friendly haunts Lough Boora Discovery Park in Co Offaly.

It is the most beautiful park with miles of cycle/walking tracks, fairy forest, lakes, bird watching viewing points, fascinating sculpture, loads of benches and picnic areas and it's totally free.

They also have bike hire, saunas facilities for a very reasonable price.

If you've never been please check it out as you could literally spend half the day here and there's the most delicious cafe on site too Ballycommon Bake House

#visitoffaly #hiddenheartlands #familytime #familyfriendly #roadtrip ... See MoreSee Less