Killyconny Bog

Killyconny Bog: A Natural Haven and Conservation Success Story

On the Cavan-Meath border, Killyconny Bog is a treasure trove of biodiversity and a haven for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in 1997, the bog plays a vital role in local ecology, climate regulation, and community life. Its status and recognition were recently amplified by a nomination for a European Environmental Award, piquing the curiosity of those previously unaware of its existence.

This raised bog, also known locally as Cloghbally Bog and Mullagh Bog, spans across 191 hectares and has been an integral part of the local landscape for generations. Its diverse habitats have allowed a rich tapestry of flora and fauna to thrive, attracting an astonishing variety of birdlife that can be observed by visitors walking along the periphery of the bog. Species such as the meadow pipit, skylark, kestrel, and long-eared owl are frequently spotted, with the latter hunting small creatures like beetles and pygmy shrews. Walkers were recently treated to the melodious call of the cuckoo, adding to the serene atmosphere that defines the area.
 
The bog is home to unique species like the carnivorous Sundew plant, known for its fluid-filled leaves and grasping tentacles that trap and digest prey, and plays in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon, which is crucial for both local and global ecosystems.
 

The hollows between the hills of this beautiful part of the country fostered many a raised bog, but today there are very few raised bogs left in the north-east region and Killyconny Bog is the best developed of what remains. It is unusual as it developed with two lobes formed on adjacent ancient lakes. As the bogs rose side by side over thousands of years, they spilled over towards each other. Today they are joined by a narrow strip of bog, with the bog an odd ‘figure of 8’ shape.

Though some marginal drainage and cutting has taken place and there is subsidence on the margins, the central parts of the bog are relatively intact as little drainage was ever done on the ‘high bog’. Some restoration works took part on this bog in the past (including LIFE project LIFE04 NAT/IE/000121) with favourable results. Overall, there are good restoration prospects on Killyconny and the project aims to almost treble the existing areas of Active Raised Bog (ARB) on the high bog through a restoration programme aimed at raising the water table.

A Rich History of Conservation

Bogs are unique ecosystems that form in areas with high rainfall, low temperatures, and restricted drainage. The conditions prevent full decomposition, leading to the accumulation of acidic peat over thousands of years. Killyconny, with its 10-meter-deep peat layers, dates back around 10,000 years. In contrast to other bogs, Killyconny’s “high bog” remained largely untouched by heavy machinery or excessive peat harvesting, which has allowed it to naturally regenerate. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has installed over 1,000 dams to block drains and support the bog’s rehabilitation, which has yielded faster-than-expected results.

Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, Killyconny’s delicate ecosystem is flourishing. Sphagnum moss dominates the landscape, alongside sedge, rushes, heather, bog asphodel, birch, and bracken. These plants create an ideal environment for the diverse wildlife that now calls the bog home.

A Growing Local Amenity

The pandemic brought a surge of interest to local natural areas, and Killyconny Bog was no exception. “We only really discovered it during the pandemic,” says Breeda Cooney, a local walker who enjoys the tranquillity with her dog, Bobby. “It is so quiet and peaceful. You can hear the birds, and it really has become very lush.”

Plans to further develop Killyconny as an amenity for the community are well underway. The Killyconny Bog Project, established just over a year ago, has already installed seating for those walking the 1.7km trail around the bog’s periphery. Future plans include paving the trail to make it more accessible for wheelchair users and the visually impaired, and developing a longer loop walk around the bog. The installation of a boardwalk through the heart of the bog is also under consideration, allowing visitors to safely explore without damaging the delicate ecosystem.

Jim Smith (a member of St Killian’s Heritage Centre Trust and chairman of the Killyconny Bog Project), has been involved in promoting the potential of Killyconny since 1997, and ever the passionate conservationist, explains that while walking on the bog itself can be dangerous due to its waterlogged nature, a boardwalk would offer a unique opportunity to witness the bog’s flora and fauna up close. The ongoing partnership with National Parks and Wildlife and continued grant funding promise a bright future for Killyconny Bog.

For regular visitors like Roisin Tormey and Bernard Reilly, the bog’s peacefulness and rich wildlife are key attractions. “It’s the peace and quiet. The birds singing. It’s just beautiful,” says Roisin. Bernard, binoculars in hand, marvels at the birdlife: “I saw a kite out yesterday and thought I’d bring my binoculars for a better look.”

The Future of Killyconny

The success of the Killyconny Bog Project highlights the community’s dedication to preserving this unique natural resource. Jim Smith remains optimistic: “The Killyconny Bog Project will go from strength to strength.” With continued support and further development, Killyconny Bog is set to become an even more significant amenity, balancing conservation with accessibility for the enjoyment of future generations.

The pandemic brought a surge of interest to local natural areas, and Killyconny Bog was no exception. “We only really discovered it during the pandemic,” says Breeda Cooney, a local walker who enjoys the tranquillity with her dog, Bobby. “It is so quiet and peaceful. You can hear the birds, and it really has become very lush.”

Plans to further develop Killyconny as an amenity for the community are well underway. The Killyconny Bog Project, established just over a year ago, has already installed seating for those walking the 1.7km trail around the bog’s periphery. Future plans include paving the trail to make it more accessible for wheelchair users and the visually impaired, and developing a longer loop walk around the bog. The installation of a boardwalk through the heart of the bog is also under consideration, allowing visitors to safely explore without damaging the delicate ecosystem.

Sundew Kilconny Bog

Jim Smith, ever the passionate conservationist, explains that while walking on the bog itself can be dangerous due to its waterlogged nature, a boardwalk would offer a unique opportunity to witness the bog’s flora and fauna up close. The ongoing partnership with National Parks and Wildlife and continued grant funding promise a bright future for Killyconny Bog.

For regular visitors like Roisin Tormey and Bernard Reilly, the bog’s peacefulness and rich wildlife are key attractions. “It’s the peace and quiet. The birds singing. It’s just beautiful,” says Roisin. Bernard, binoculars in hand, marvels at the birdlife: “I saw a kite out yesterday and thought I’d bring my binoculars for a better look.”