Plan Your Visit

Explore Lough Boora Discovery Park throughout the seasons, 365 days of the year.

Explore the park’s sculptures, lakes, wetlands and facilities on our interactive map.

Plan your next trip using our maps and trails to access detailed walking and cycling route information.

Opening Hours

  • Wider park trails are open 7 days a week.
  • Visitor Information open 7 Days April to October
    (Email or Call us from November to March)
  • Private tour bookings available year-round.
  • The Cafe is open from 10am to 4.30pm seven days a week during peak season. Check our Facebook page for up to date times.
  • Bike Hire is provided by Mid Ireland Adventures from 10am to 4.30pm seven days a week.
    Opening days may vary during the off season.
    To make a booking, please call (057) 934-0011 or (085) 173-5204.
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Parking

  • Main car park is free of charge & open from 8am to 6pm, 7 days, year-round.
    There is additional parking available to the south past the main gates.
  • Coach parking available with overflow available also.

Main Contact Information

Location

Accessibility

  • Topography of the trails is generally flat with suitable routes for all abilities
  • Wheelchair friendly routes available with accessible viewing and fishing platforms
  • There is an accessible bathroom available in the café and in the Pavillion area

Customer Information

  • Dietary requirements: All needs can be catered for, subject to minimum 48 hours’ notice.
  • Languages: All experiences are delivered in English.
  • Sustainable Ethos: Lough Boora are proud members of Leave no Trace Ireland.

Directions by road

From Tullamore

  • Leave Tullamore on N52 for Birr.
  • At Blueball turn right onto R357 for Cloghan / Shannonbridge.
  • Lough Boora Discovery Park commences within 7km of Blueball, look out for the sign.

From Birr

  • Take N52 towards Tullamore, exit for N62 to Athlone.
  • Continue to Cloghan, turning right off roundabout onto R357.
  • Lough Boora Discovery Park commences within 10km, look out for the sign.

GPS Coordinates
If you have a GPS and would like to enter the park’s coordinates – please see below

N 53°13’24.9″
W 007°43’44.5″

Google Maps
You can also find us on Google Maps, by simply searching for ‘Lough Boora Discovery Park’.
You will then be able to get directions to the park from wherever you are travelling from.

Eircode
R35 R220

Lough Boora Discovery Park is located in County Offaly, between Tullamore, Birr and Clonmacnoise.

Explore the park’s sculptures, lakes, wetlands and facilities on this interactive map.

As part of a partnership between BnM and Fáilte Ireland, the visitor hub at Lough Boora Discovery Park sits at the edge of Loch an Dochais and provides access to visitor information, public toilets, a cafe, bike hire, picnic area and car park.

The Pavilion provides a space for events, group activities and information about Lough Boora’s history. The park is accessible for all ages and abilities.

We remind all visitors:

  • Please respect the art and the landscape.
  • Look and touch but do not climb on the sculptures.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please do not litter.
  • Bring your rubbish home with you.
  • There is no alcohol permitted in the park.
  • Please do not enter areas marked “No public access”.
  • Photography is permitted for personal use.
  • Please respect other visitors.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
  • Do not wade or swim in the canal or lakes.
  • No horses, quad bikes or jeeps are allowed along the walkways. 

Maps & Trails

Fairy Route (1.3km) - Walking route

The family walking and adventure route at Lough Boora Discovery Park has all the ingredients for the perfect family day out.

Become a fairy finder and explore all the wonder and excitement Fairy Avenue has to offer.

You can check in at the Bug Hotel, make your dreams come true at the Wishing Seat or take on the Maze in Willow World. Watch out for all the fairy doors along the way to meet all our fairy friends.

The Pavilion is the perfect place for a family picnic. With picnic tables, shelter and toilets all available here.

Download Fairy Route

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Sculpture Park (3.3km) - Walking & Cycle route

The Sculpture Park walking route is idyllic for those interested in art and beautiful photographic landscapes.

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, be it the beautiful flora of the summer months or the autumn gold when the grasses go from green to gold in September and October.

Each sculpture is inspired by the landscape and has a unique story, make sure to check out the information panels to get the full history behind each piece.

This sculpture park offers 24 innovative works of art by Irish and International Sculptors.

Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and send them to us on Facebook and Instagram. We love to see your pictures.

Download Sculpture Route

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Mesolithic Route (9.3km) - Walking & Cycle route

The Mesolithic route caters for both walking and cycling enthusiasts.

The terrain is ideal for cyclists as smooth surfaces and beautiful flora make for the perfect bike ride. Shortcuts offer everyone the chance to enjoy this wonderful area of Lough Boora Discovery Park.

You will be spoiled for choice for picnic spots, there are three picnic areas and the Pavilion along the way.

The archaeological site at Lough Boora Discovery Park is one of the most important archaeological finds in Irish history, the site was discovered in 1977.

For wildlife lovers make sure to keep your eyes peeled as an abundance of wildlife have made this route their home including the grey partridge along with many other species.

While on this route you will be passing through the grey partridge conservation area and it is important to keep dogs on a lead at all times.

Download Mesolithic Route

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Finnamore Lakes Route (11.7km) - Walking route

This picturesque walk is set against the backdrop of the Slieve Bloom mountains.

The route contains two angling lakes; Finnamore Upper and Lower. They are stocked with carp, tench and bream.

Watch out for the Black-tailed Skimmer and Keeled Skimmer dragonflies considered to be local to Ireland.

Feeling adventurous? Try going off track and following one of the alternative paths, make the journey your own.

This route is not suitable for bikes.

Download Finnamore Lakes Route

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Turraun Route (15.8km) - Cycle route

This 15km route has everything for the ultimate cycle experience.

Turraun is our longest route and is flat and easy cycling for families.

Take in all the beautiful views of Boora Lake, and all the wetlands en route.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic, there are plenty of picnic benches and facilities along the route.

Be extra careful when crossing the main road as it is not safe for cyclists. Please take care at the four train crossings.

Download Turraun Route

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What Visitors Say About Us

Mariusz Jeznach
1 day ago
Amazing, good to spend whole day walking and enjoying
Kayleigh
2 weeks ago
Lovely spot for a wander. Enjoyed it in the winter last year but especially lovely in great weather. kids can take their bikes and fishing rods and please themselves. Fairy Lane is ni e and shady. The coffee and service is great in the cafe too.
Elio Roets
2 weeks ago
Mooie fietsroute en betaalbare fietsverhuur. De kunstwerken waren ook zeer mooi. De fietstocht leert je meer over hoe men het turf ontgon
Annemie Oosterlynck
2 weeks ago
Nice bikeride, beautifull nature, easy to rent bikes, good place for picknick but there is also a bar with panini's and drinks an nice art walk
Renars Marcuks
3 weeks ago
Best park I went to In Ireland, worth the drive Clean, Friendly staff You can rent a bike for 12/hr Many paths to walk and cycle and plenty of picnic locations You can see lakes and the nice paths all well kept Free parking and entry
Tim Knippels
4 weeks ago
Prachtig park en mooie historie over de turf velden
CK 1 (ck1)
1 month ago
Wonderful place! So lovely to cycle without worrying about traffic. Absolute gem of a man at the cycle hire. Could not recommend highly enough.
Sandra Sadauskaite
1 month ago
Great place, definitely be back, lovely sculptures, nice scenery walks.
Julie C
1 month ago
What an amazing place, a large car park with space for motorhomes. Wheelchair accessible picnic benches. Several wonderful walking/cycling trails (bikes available to hire by the hour). I did the 5km sculpture walk. Great for nature lovers, butterflies & dragonflies abound. Really nice cafe beside a small lake. Lovely gift shop. Could do with a little more signage & maybe a leaflet specifically for the sculpture walk with info on each piece. I’d definitely visit again.
Tomasz Sieradzan
2 months ago
Great place to relax super bike and walking routes
Aidan Conway
2 months ago
Great place for families. I walked but regretted not going on bicycle, which seems the best way to explore the extensive area. A very peaceful place, close to nature. Very impressive fairy forest
Donelan Language Tuition
2 months ago
Lough Boora Discovery Park is an absolute hidden gem and one of the best outdoor destinations in Ireland. The walking and cycling trails are beautifully maintained, with stunning scenery, peaceful lakes, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. The unique sculptures dotted throughout the park add a special touch, making every visit interesting and memorable. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to escape into nature. The fairy trail is a big hit with children, and the café is a lovely place to relax after exploring. There’s plenty of space, free parking, and something new to discover every time you visit. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or simply a peaceful day outdoors, Lough Boora Discovery Park is well worth a visit. I highly recommend it and will definitely be back!
Not Monitored (Unavailable)
2 months ago
Beautiful walk and really enjoyed the area
Killian Ryan
2 months ago
Lovely walks around the park. Some works going on and areas closed off. Could do with better signage. Cafe is nice to visit. Not a big menu, nice staff and location on the lake. Fairy Walk is great for kids. Few toilet facilities dotted around.
Ken Jordan
2 months ago
Lovely walks, lady in the reception was very helpful...
Paul Cullen
3 months ago
Very well laid out walking and cycling tracks . Nice coffee spot also with outdoor seating
Paul The Family Guy
3 months ago
We visited Lough Boora with our two children and had a fantastic day out. There is so much for kids to enjoy, from the little train to the enchanting mossy woodland that feels like something out of a fairy tale. Our children loved exploring and running around the forest trails. The park is very accessible and well maintained, making it easy for families to get around. Bicycle hire is available, including wagons for younger children, which is a great option for exploring more of the park. We finished our visit at the café, where we enjoyed refreshments on the lovely terrace overlooking a peaceful lake. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful family day out. We’ll definitely be back!
Groovy Grub
3 months ago
Beautiful , lots to do and see .👏😎
Ronan Skehill
4 months ago
Got a bite to eat here before cycling. We enjoyed the food. Coffee was good. Cycled through Lough Boora to get on to the Greenway.
CD
4 months ago
Lovely cafe and bikes for rent. Great trails good for buggy’s and all kids
Musab Alfraij
4 months ago
مسجد جميل واهله طيبون وامام المسجد متواضع ماشاءالله تبارك الرحمن تحبه اذا رايته موقف السيارات خلف المسجد باب المسجد عالشارع الرئيسي
Taz Manian
4 months ago
I parked my camper on the road and took a stroll around here , loved the location, really connects with nature and also inspires the senses with the artwork
Denis O'Donoghue
4 months ago
Lovely day. Spoilt only by the part closure of our favourite walk. Necessary of course and should look great when completed.
Ido Gazit
4 months ago
Cue park with birds and some stuff to see and walkable trails
An Cart
5 months ago
Great day out. Lovely cafe, which also has a sheltered outdoor seating area overlooking the water. We had a lovely walk - most paths were accessible. The bike-hire person was lovely and helpful - we didn't hire bikes this time but think we will next time. (We also saw the accessibility bikes which seem like a great idea - you can phone or email Lough Boora park for info on those).