Lough Boora Parklands

The Lough Boora Mesolithic Walk is part of the Offaly way and is the most direct path to the Lough Boora Mesolithic site and storm shoreline. Approximately 2 km each way, the gravel path is in good condition and is suitable for all age groups. The route is marked with posts bearing the ‘yellow-man’ walking symbol.

The walk begins in the Boora Lake car park and runs along the southern edge of Boora Lake and then passes through areas of conifer, oak and birch-willow woodland before emerging into the open flower-rich grassland that surrounds the Mesolithic Site. Having reached the Mesolithic site the return trip is made by retracing ones steps or walking along the broad, peaty access road that runs east-west through the forest.

The walk is being enhanced by the development of a series of sculptures on the theme of "dwellings". The four sculptures in place are made of natural materials including willow, hazel, heather and turf.

Things to look out for:

Spring sees the start of the breeding season and Mallard, Little Grebes and Coots may be seen on Boora Lake whilst Lapwings tumble over the nearby pastures. Look out for Song Thrushes – the piles of broken snail shells surrounding a favourite anvil stone indicating their presence.

Orchids in the grassland

In summer and autumn, the path is lined by Rosebay willowherb while Marsh helleborine and a suite of other orchids are found in the lime-rich grassland that surrounds the Mesolithic site. Other plants that may be seen in this area are Common centaury, Cat’s paw, Yellow-wort, Carline thistle, Fairy flax and Weld.

Fungi under the spruce trees

Autumn sees the appearance of a variety of fungi particularly under the spruce, pine and birch trees with which many form a special association that benefits both the fungus and the tree. In winter lichens, some of which look like miniature golf-tees and others tipped red like matchsticks, become more noticeable in the absence of the showy flowering plants.