Discover The Living Bog of Mountbellew: Ireland’s Rainforest

Tucked away in the heart of East Galway, The Living Bog in Mountbellew is one of Ireland’s best-kept natural secrets. This vibrant landscape is a living, evolving ecosystem that tells a story thousands of years in the making. Discover more about it right here..

Walk along the trails and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a variety of native plants such as bog cotton, heather (ling), and Spaghnum moss which shelter hundreds of rare species. At almost 1,200 hectares, Carrownagappul Bog, now a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is one of the largest and most accessible active raised bogs in Ireland. Carefully restored boardwalks and trails guide visitors through a peaceful landscape, allowing for a fully immersive, low-impact nature experience.

Begin your visit at the Interpretative Centre on Ballygar Road, where a warm welcome awaits. Enjoy a short video presentation on peatland ecology, browse local handmade crafts, or simply sit with a cup of tea as you take in the story of the bog’s recovery. Guided tours and walks offer a deeper dive, led by knowledgeable locals who explain how the bog functions as a climate regulator, carbon store, and biodiversity haven. These guided tours/walks are available for all visitors, including larger tour groups, and school groups. One of the tour highlights is ‘Patch’s Garden,’ a small raised till island within the bog that once served as a home and vegetable garden.

Thanks to the Living Bog Project, Mountbellew’s bog has been brought back from the brink. Once drained and damaged, it now thrives again, breathing new life into the landscape, and into the hearts of those who visit. Restoration efforts have been extensive: more than 25km of drains have been blocked, and thousands of peat dams installed to help re-wet the landscape and allow nature to thrive once more. The project’s success is a testament to community involvement, careful planning, and deep respect for Ireland’s natural heritage.

above: photo by Tina Claffey Photography

Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, photographer, or someone simply seeking to reconnect with Ireland’s wild beauty, The Living Bog offers a soul-soothing escape. Educational signage along the paths enhances every visit with fascinating insights into bog formation, flora, and fauna.

For more information on Galway’s Living Bog please visit their website at galwayslivingbog.com. For enquiries and to book a guided visit; call 090 96 79765 or email gtcomountbellew@gmail.com.

This article is sponsored by Galway County Council as part of our This is Galway Magazine - August/September 2025 edition.

All photos courtesy of Galway's Living Bog.