🌿Who are we?
Carrownagappul Bog
Galway’s Living Bog
Just outside the market town of Mountbellew lies Carrownagappul Bog, Galway’s Living Bog. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), it’s one of 12 sites restored under Ireland’s Living Bog Project. Covering around 850 acres, it contains some of the finest examples of raised bog habitat in the country and remains one of Ireland’s largest restorable active raised bogs.
What makes Carrownagappul special is its easy accessibility. A network of local roadways surrounds the bog, making it an ideal location for guided walking tours and nature exploration.
Active raised bogs like Carrownagappul are among Ireland’s oldest landscapes, dating back over 10,000 years. Once, raised bogs covered about three quarters of a million acres across the country.
Today, less than 1% of that area remains “active,” largely due to industrial peat extraction and drainage.
An active bog continues to form peat — a slow process where plant material partially decays in acidic, waterlogged conditions. Peat builds up naturally at a rate of just one millimetre per year, preserving a unique record of Ireland’s natural and cultural history.
These habitats are vital for biodiversity and climate regulation, acting as natural carbon stores and home to rare species. Protecting and restoring places like Carrownagappul Bog helps safeguard a living piece of Ireland’s environmental heritage.
🌱 Mission & Purpose
Galway’s Living Bog is dedicated to protecting the raised bog— one of Ireland’s most precious and endangered landscapes.
Our mission is to showcase these ancient peatlands which have been brought back to life by re-wetting the bog,
encouraging the return of native mosses and wildlife, and supporting Ireland’s wider climate and biodiversity goals.
Through education we work to reconnect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the bog.
From school field trips and volunteer days to peaceful walking trails,
Galway’s Living Bog invites everyone to discover how restoration helps both nature and climate to thrive.
Together, we’re ensuring that Galway’s Living Bog at Carrownagappul Bog SAC,
remains living, breathing ecosystems
— places of learning, wonder, and renewal for generations to come.
🌿 Galway’s Living Bog – FAQ
What is Galway’s Living Bog?
Galway’s Living Bog is a peatland restoration and conservation project focused on protecting a raised bog located in Mountbellew, Co. Galway. It is natural habitats, supports local biodiversity, and raises awareness of the cultural and climate importance of Ireland’s boglands.
Where is Galway’s Living Bog located?
Galways's Living Bog is near Mountbellew in County Galway.
Our centre is based at H53 Tn67, just outside Mountbellew Town, and the bog itself is a short drive away.
Are bogs open to the public in Ireland?
Yes, many restored bogs across Ireland are open to the public through dedicated trails and boardwalks. Galway’s Living Bog site offers safe access for walkers, families, and nature lovers to experience these unique landscapes. Our family-friendly nature walk near Galway has paths sutible for all ages.
For a guided tour with our team and a visit to the centre you will need to make a booking.
How can I plan my visit?
Visit our Plan Your Trip page for maps, directions, parking info, and trail details. Wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, and always stay on marked paths to protect sensitive habitats.
What is a raised bog?
A raised bog is a dome-shaped peatland formed over thousands of years as plants decompose in wet, low-oxygen conditions. These rare habitats store carbon, filter water, and provide a home for unique bogland wildlife.
Is there parking or wheelchair access?
Adequate parking at head of trail. Some paths are level and suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, though surfaces may vary seasonally.
What wildlife can you see in Irish bogs?
Irish bogs are home to curlew, snipe, and skylark, as well as frogs, dragonflies, and rare plants like sundew and bog cotton. In summer, you might spot colourful butterflies and hear the haunting call of the curlew.
Can I bring children or dogs to Galway’s Living Bog?
Yes, families are welcome! Walking trails and boardwalks are suitable for children under supervision. Dogs on leads are allowed in designated areas—please keep pets to paths to protect wildlife and nesting birds.
Can schools visit Galway’s Living Bog?
Absolutely. Schools can arrange guided field trips, nature walks, and outdoor learning sessions. We also provide educational resources on peatlands, biodiversity, and climate action for teachers and students. Educational field trips in Galway are always a fun day out for your class!
Who manages the project?
Galway’s Living Bog is managed by Galway Telework Co-Op based in Mountbellew. We are supported by Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) working together to protect Ireland’s peatlands and their biodiversity.
Why are bogs important for climate change?
Bogs are one of the world’s most effective natural carbon stores. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and lock it away in peat for thousands of years.
At Galway’s Living Bog, we are committed to responsible eco-tourism and sustainable travel. We encourage visitors to experience the beauty of the bog through guided walks, nature education, wildlife observation, and low-impact outdoor activities that respect this fragile ecosystem. By visiting Galway’s Living Bog, you are not only discovering a unique Irish landscape you are also supporting the conservation of one of Ireland’s most important natural habitats and helping to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations - Discover, learn and protect.
Gallery
Our Staff
Passionate Professionals Committed to Learning
Maura Hannon - Manager
Maura is a highly skilled and dedicated manager with more than three decades of experience in leading teams, streamlining operations and driving organisational success with a keen commitment to fostering a positive work culture, supporting education and creating a very welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Enthusiastic about continuous improvement, community engagement and cultivating a supportive environment both internally and with all other community groups.
Marie Gilmore - Tour Guide
An experienced nature educator, proud native of Mountbellew and lover of all things natural and bog-related, Marie is passionate about sharing the story of our bog, its history, its importance and its future - with people from near and far.
Marie specialises in hands-on, engaging learning experiences that connect students and visitors of all ages and abilities with the natural world. Through outdoor learning, exploration and discovery, she helps bring the unique biodiversity, heritage and importance of Galway’s Living Bog to life.
With a deep connection to the local area and a genuine enthusiasm for nature, Marie is dedicated to ensuring that the story of our bog continues to be shared, understood and valued for generations to come.
Kiaya Ó Duinn - Administration
With a varied background spanning administration, music, art, festivals, law, travel and, more recently, sustainability, conservation and education, Kiaya brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for all things natural, as well as a strong belief in a job well done!
Kiaya helps keep our offices running smoothly while also supporting our classes, educational programmes, social media and promotional activities. She has a particular passion for nature photography, wildlife, beautiful landscapes and, of course, bogs!
Many examples of Kiaya’s photography can be found throughout this website, capturing the beauty, biodiversity and unique character of Galway’s Living Bog.
