Take a stroll around the Bog of Allen and learn the history of one of Irelands most historic and precious fuels. This peatland walk is an eye-opening look at Kildare’s bogland’s contribution to Ireland and the little ones will be fascinated by the greenhouse of carnivorous plants.
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC). Their aim is to conserve a representative portion of Irish peatlands for future generations to enjoy.
Peatlands are made up of dead plant material and they are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Raised bogs have been growing in Ireland for the past 10,000 years. Due to many pressures from afforestation, development for their peat, overgrazing, illegal dumping, these habitats are under threat. Over 80% of them have been lost forever and the IPCC are now actively restoring peatlands to ensure their survival.
Activities at the Bog of Allen include pond dipping, nature crafts, a frog hunt, bog walk, insect eating plants, a creepy crawly search, museum and garden tour.
Finish your day with a visit to Lodge Bog, a living bog nature reserve in the Bog of Allen. Here you can find live sundews, feel the watery bog move and listen for the Curlew calling. There is a boardwalk on the site and a seating area for you to take in all the sights and sounds.