The Mesolithic Loop, Lough Boora Discovery Park

What: Lough Boora park is located on a former commercial bog but nowadays the 2,000 hectare site is home to a sculpture park and over 50km of paths. The Mesolithic Loop, just one of the park’s five walks, passes by the site where the remains of ancient camp fires and 1,500 artefacts dating from the Middle Stone Age were discovered. The route also passes through the Leabeg Wetland, a site of national importance for whooper swans. During the summer the rich grassland provides cover for ground nesting birds such as the skylark, meadow pipit and smaller mammals, including hares and foxes.

Start/Finish: Lough Boora Visitor Centre

Get there: From Tullamore head southwest along the N52. At Blueball turn right on to the R357. After 8km turn left into the park.

Level: Flat, well signposted, suitable for all.

Length/Time to walk: 9km/2hr 30min.

Pack: Over 130 bird species have been recorded in the park so don’t forget your binoculars. Check out the walk route on loughboora.com.

Refuel: There is a coffee shop in the visitor centre (CaToCafinefood.com) with a timber deck where you can sit and look over Loch an Dochas and Boora Lake.