Carn Park Bog
On a wide stretch of land 4km east of Athlone, an expanse of bogland is bordered with conifer trees, in a thick circle of forestry that gives the whole area a fairytale vibe. This raised bog site is home to countless species of plant life, including ling, deer grass and bog cotton, which dots the field with little clouds of white for several months of the year. There’s a high level of ecological interest in this raised bog, the likes of which are now something of a rarity throughout Europe. You can explore the bog while keeping the ecosystem safe, by using the raised wooden boardwalk for your strolls. This is a protected site, so please don’t pick any flowers or plants.