Bog of Allen Nature Centre Kildare

Bog of Allen Nature Centre

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Kildare is run by the Irish Peatland Cosnervation CouncilL (IPCC). A charity, their aim is to conserve a representative portion of Irish peatlands for future generartions to enjoy. To date there are 250,000 ha of peatlands conserved in Ireland and this represents 50% of all of Europe’s peatlands.

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

On visiting the Bog of Allen Nature Centre explore the wild boglands of Ireland. Experience life in 1960’s Ireland in our traditional Irish cottage interior and follow the self guiding tour of the exhibitions to learn about all aspects of Irish bogs. Guides available in six languages. Complete your indoor visit with a browse through our nature shop filled environmentally friendly gifts and for family and friends.

Continue your tour of the centre outdoors in our wildlife gardens and visit our live exhibition of insect eating plants. Collect IPCC’s top ten wildlife gardening tips along the way and finish your tour by visiting nearby nature reserves in the Bog of Allen

Bog of Allen

Is the largest raised peat bog in Ireland which covers over 950 square kilometers through 9 counties in the middle of Ireland. Bog of Allen is a wetland system that took 10,000 years to form and is made from peat. Unfortunately, during the last 400 years, over 90% of it has been lost to drainage and peat mining. There is potential to return these to wetland wilderness and wild woods once they have been harvested and this is a campaign issue with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council

They have identified 17 stunning wildlife habitats and 185 species of plant and animal – a testament to the richness and diversity of this wild Bog of Allen landscape. Some of the habitats which you can explore in the Bog of Allen raised bog, heathland, woodland, wildflower grassland, lake, fen, swamp and canal.

You will be amazed at the colours of the wild-flowers and at the abundance of wildlife in the Bog of Allen. Heather, cranberries and orchids add to the variety of plants you will see. Butterflies such as the rare Marsh Fritillary and the Brimstone are there to discover. Watch out for dragonflies flying over your head, frogs hopping beneath your feet, and hares dashing away. If you’re lucky you might see predators such as fox or kestrel.

Bog Of Allen Opening Times And Admission

Opening Times

Monday – Friday 10.00 – 16.00 (except public holidays)
Weekends by appointment only

Admission

Children free
Adults €5

Bog of Allen Nature Centre Amenities

Toilets
Free Parking
Outdoor picnic area
Wheelchair accessible

Directions To Bog Of Allen Nature Centre

From N4 Dublin via the Galway Road

Take the Maynooth/Naas/Straffan exit from the N4. At the roundabout take the R406 to Naas/Clane. Turn right at Barberstown Castle crossroads and follow the R403 to Clane. Continue on the R403 into the centre of Clane, turning off for Prosperous and Allenwood at the Corner Pub. Drive through Allenwood and take the R414 (Rathangan Road, left turn) which is approximately 1km from Allenwood over the Shee Bridge on the Grand Canal. The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is located 4km from this turn on the right hand side of the road.

From the South

Turn off the N7 in Monasterevin following the R414 to Rathangan. In Rathangan continue on the R414 (Allenwood road) to Lullymore. the Bog Of Allen is approximately 5km from Rathangan on the left hand side of the road after Lullymore Heritage Park.