An Portach Ciúin
An Portach Ciúin, meaning “The Quiet Bog,” is a sensory garden located within Lough Boora Discovery Park in County Offaly. It was created as a peaceful, reflective space where visitors can relax, connect with nature, and improve their wellbeing. The garden is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone, offering features such as walking paths, viewing areas, and natural landscaping that encourage calmness, reflection, and appreciation of the bog environment.
The project was officially opened in June 2022, as a new addition to the discovery park. It was developed through collaboration between local community groups and organisations including Bord na Móna and Offaly County Council. The goal was to create a peaceful space that promotes mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, particularly for people seeking quiet time, including those experiencing illness or stress.
Funding for An Portach Ciúin came from a mix of public, community, and private sources. Financial support was provided by the LEADER Programme, the CLÁR scheme, local credit unions, Bord na Móna, and Offaly County Council, along with contributions from architects and private donors such as the Collins family. This combination of funding and community involvement helped transform the idea into a fully developed, freely accessible space that connects people with nature while recognising its industrial heritage.
