Boora Bog

Lough Boora Parkland

Boora Bog (Irish Portach na Buaraí) is a cutaway peat bog situated in County Offaly, Ireland.^[1] Peat was harvested for fuel between the 1950s and 1970s, and the land is now being reclaimed for agricultural and eco-tourism use. There was a lake called Lough Boora (Loch na Buaraí), which was drained by Bord na Móna, but was not used for peat production: this area is now maintained as a nature reserve by the Irish Wildlife Trust.^[2] There are two angling lakes.

The highest observed 20th century air temperature in Ireland, 32.5 °C was measured at Boora on 29 June 1976^[3]

Archaeology

In 1977, a prehistoric site was discovered at Lough Boora. Excavations revealed a temporary settlement dated to the Mesolithic era. No structures were discovered, but stone axe heads, arrow heads, and blades were discovered, surrounding a series of fire sites. The finds were dated to approximately between 6800 BCE and 6000 BCE.^[4]

Sculpture Park

Main article Sculpture in the Parklands

The first artworks were commissioned in 2002 through a symposium where seven Irish and international artists worked over a three week residency. Eight site-specific sculptures were created during the symposium.

Wildlife

Boora is the Irish stronghold of the grey partridge. A conservation project funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service has turned the fortunes of the species around from a critically low 22 to 932 birds.^[5][6] Other species seen regularly include hen harrier, common buzzard, cuckoo, merlin, green sandpiper and ruff.

References

1. ↑ http://www.loughbooraparklands.com/parklands
2. ↑
3. ↑ http://www.met.ie/climate/temperature.asp
4. ↑ "Activities in Offaly: The Bogland - Na Portaigh (section)". Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society. 2009. Retrieved 2 June 2009. 
5. ↑ http://www.greypartridge.ie/
6. ↑ , Irish Examiner

Coordinates: 53°13′05″N 7°43′41″W / 53.218°N 7.728°W / 53.218; -7.728