Follow the audio-visual guide
Scan the QR codes along the walk for short films on the bog's history, habitats and biodiversity, including drone footage of the restoration work by local filmmaker Brendan Phelan.
Abbeyleix Bog Project
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About
A 500-acre community-owned raised bog on the southern edge of Abbeyleix, with free flat walking trails along an old railway line, volunteer-built boardwalks and a peatland that local volunteers are bringing back to life.
Things to Do
Walk the short 3.6 km loop
The shorter of the two marked loops crosses three of the bog's main habitats and stays flat with minimal gradient changes. It is the route used for school and half-day group visits.
Walk the long 7.5 km loop
A longer flat trail for anyone with more time, following the raised bed of the old Portlaoise-Kilkenny-Waterford railway line out across the bog.
Cross the boardwalk and bog bridge
Volunteers built the boardwalks and bog bridge, including the new Killamuck loop track, so you can cross wet peat safely. Stay on the marked walkways - hidden bog drains are deep.
Watch the bog's wildlife
Look for sundew and other peatland plants, moths such as the Devon Carpet, and birds including grey heron, little egret, teal and skylark.
Book a guided tour or school visit
Groups and guided tours must pre-register by email. Primary-school visits run in May and June with a Heritage in Schools specialist, ending with a session at the dipping pond.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open to the public every day of the year; daylight hours are recommended. Groups must pre-register at [email protected].
- Admission: Free - the trails are open to the public and no admission is charged.
- Parking: Ample free parking in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel car park, immediately north of the bog entrance.
- Food: Car parking and cafe facilities are available at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel seven days a week. No food or drink is sold on the bog itself.
Getting Around
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