New guide enhances visits to Abbeyleix Bog

BEAUTIFUL Abbeyleix Bog is bringing its rich stories to life, with a new audio-visual tour guide for visitors.

With nearly 80,000 recorded visits annually, the self-guided tour allows people to explore the bog at their own pace while learning about its unique landscape, history, wildlife and restoration story.

The tour guide, which was developed by Abbeyleix Bog Project (ABP) in collaboration with Video Nation, has greatly enhanced ‘the visitor experience’ at the award-winning bog, which attracts photographers, artists, wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and other specialists from all over world, as well as everyday walkers and nature lovers drawn to its beauty and peace.

Simple QR codes located at selected points along the route link visitors to a series of high-quality videos on their smartphones, featuring nature and biodiversity, local history, peat restoration, art and the story of the people who have worked to restore and protect the community-led natural amenity.

The videos, generally between 10 and 15 minutes long, combine high-quality footage, drone imagery, graphics and selected stock footage, supported by an engaging voiceover. Particular attention was given to capturing the soundscape of Abbeyleix Bog, from the wider sounds of the landscape to the more intimate sounds of the wildlife that calls the bog home.

The project was led by Brendan Phelan of Video Nation, who grew up in Abbeyleix and has been familiar with the growing appeal of the bog for many years. Funding was secured through Creative Ireland, allowing Brendan to spend time researching, filming and developing the project.

“It was a real labour of love,” said Brendan. “There were many hours of research, with recording of conversations with members of the volunteer group and technical advisory group, including Dr Jim Ryan and Chris Uys.

“The goal was to bring the story of the bog to life for visitors in a way they have never experienced before – its history, unique landscape, flora and fauna.” 

A route around the bog was carefully selected, with specific locations chosen for each of the QR codes. An information board at the entrance introduces the audio-visual tour and shows visitors where the individual stops are located.

Brendan was at the entrance to Abbeyleix Bog on Sunday 18 October for the Laois Co Council Climate Action Festival, when many visitors enjoyed trying out the new self-guided tour.

The project comes at a time when Abbeyleix Bog has experienced an extraordinary increase in visitor numbers. A boardwalk was developed by ABP in 2014, extending the walking experience for local people and visitors.

A bog bridge followed, creating a 3.5km loop, with a further 7.5km loop developed in subsequent years. While the bog and its railway line had long been popular with local walkers, visitor numbers increased dramatically during the Covid years and have continued to grow, with up to 80,000 visits now recorded annually.

The attraction of the bog extends well beyond walking. Its rich biodiversity, wildlife, flora and fauna, tranquility and landscape are complemented by a remarkable history of community action, peatland restoration, invasive alien species management, climate action and volunteering.

The content was developed with both adults and children in mind and complements the extensive educational material already produced by ABP.

The nine themes explored through the tour are Welcome to Abbeyleix Bog; Natural History; Woodland Habitat; People's History; The Abbeyleix Bog Project Story; Restoration and the Future of the Bog; The Raised Bog; The Cutover Bog and The Art of the Abbeyleix Bog.

The content was carefully researched and developed in consultation with the ABP team, ensuring that the stories presented reflect both the natural heritage of the bog and the remarkable community effort behind its protection and restoration.

ABP chairperson Fiona Dunne said: “This project provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the massive contribution made by the Project team, our volunteers and the many organisations and funders who have supported the bog over the years. The content has been heavily researched and is designed to stand the test of time. It will provide an additional dimension to the visitor experience for many years to come.” 

A spokesperson said ABP was delighted to add the audio-visual tour to the range of experiences available to visitors, adding: “It provides a new way to understand not only the natural gem that is Abbeyleix Bog but also the people, history, science and community effort that have helped to protect and restore it.” 

The guide was officially launched in Morrissey’s of Abbeyleix in late August, in conjunction with the REPEAT volunteer camp.

Visitors can access the tour by scanning the QR codes located around the bog or by following the link provided at the entrance.