• 🌿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

    Our classes emphasize experiential education, allowing students to engage directly with the unique ecosystem of boglands. Through guided exploration and interactive activities, children discover the intricate relationships between various species and their environment. Hands-On Learning What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

    We aim to inspire a sense of responsibility towards nature in young minds. Our curriculum nurtures future environmental leaders by fostering respect and understanding of the ecological significance of bogs, encouraging students to take action in preserving these vital habitats. Environmental Stewardship What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

    Students learn about the crucial role bogs play in carbon storage and climate regulation. Our lessons highlight the biodiversity found in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Ecological Importance What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

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    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.

    Students learn about the crucial role bogs play in carbon storage and climate regulation. Our lessons highlight the biodiversity found in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Ecological Importance What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

    Students learn about the crucial role bogs play in carbon storage and climate regulation. Our lessons highlight the biodiversity found in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Ecological Importance What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

    Students learn about the crucial role bogs play in carbon storage and climate regulation. Our lessons highlight the biodiversity found in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Ecological Importance What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

    Students learn about the crucial role bogs play in carbon storage and climate regulation. Our lessons highlight the biodiversity found in these ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their health, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Ecological Importance What We Do where Galway's Living Bog classes offer a unique and immersive educational experience for schoolchildren. These classes are designed to introduce young learners to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Ireland's boglands. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students explore the fascinating flora and fauna that make bogs their home, while also learning about the crucial role these ecosystems play in carbon storage and climate regulation. By fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of boglands, Bog School aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, empowering them to protect and preserve these vital natural resources for the future.

    Why are bogs important for climate change?

    Bogs act as natural carbon stores, locking away CO₂ for thousands of years. When drained or damaged, they release carbon into the atmosphere. Restoring bogs helps reduce emissions and supports Ireland’s climate action goals.

  • Gallery

  • Our Staff

    Passionate Professionals Committed to Learning

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    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.
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    Marie Gilmore - Tour Guide

    An experienced nature educator, native Mountbellew woman and lover of all things natural, bog related and has a passion for making sure the history and future of our bog is spread far and wide.
    Marie specialises in hands-on learning experiences that engage students and visitors of all ages and learning abilities with the natural world.
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    Kiaya King - Administration

    With a varied background in all types of administration - from music, art, festivals, law, travel and now conservation and education, Kiaya loves anything related to the natural world and a job well done!

    Kiaya helps run our offices smoothly, our classes, educational programmes, social media, promotion and has a huge passion for nature photography, animals, scenery and bogs (many explample of which you can see on this website).

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