Our Story

The area’s human history began shortly after the last Ice Age, approximately 15,000 years ago.

Mesolithic Settlement
In 1977, a significant archaeological site was discovered, revealing that hunter-gatherers lived on the shores of a post-glacial lake between 6800 and 6500 BC.

Historical Significance
Before this find, it was believed that the Irish midlands were uncolonised during the Mesolithic period; the Lough Boora discovery pushed back the accepted date for midlands colonisation by over 3,000 years.

Artifacts
Excavations uncovered roughly 1,500 artifacts, including stone axe heads, arrowheads, and chert tools, as well as ancient campfires and food remains like hazelnuts and fish bones.

For centuries, the bogs provided turf for local heating, but the mid-20th century saw a shift toward large-scale industrial use.

From the 1950s through the 1970s, the bog was harvested for fuel to power Irish homes and industries.

As peat harvesting concluded, the land was repurposed into a 2,000-hectare public amenity.

Rehabilitation
Through rewetting the landscape, BnM transformed the former “cutaway” bog into a sanctuary for over 130 bird species and diverse wildlife, including the rare grey partridge.

Sculpture Park
In 2002, a symposium brought artists to the site to create large-scale sculptures using industrial materials from the bog’s past, such as old railway lines and timber.

Modern Amenity
The official visitor centre and enhanced facilities were launched in October 2014, cementing its role as a key destination for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation.