Peatlands Park

Peatlands Park was the first of its type in the British Isles and was specifically established to promote and facilitate peatland awareness and issues. The peat here has been forming for about 10,000 years. The site was acquired in 1978 from the IPDC (Irish Peat Development Company) and the park was officially opened in 1990. Visitors can explore the 265ha (680 acre) site on foot along its many paths and wooden walkways. In fact there are over 16km (10 miles) of paths leading the visitor through the many and varied habitats within the park. Amongst the attractions in the Park is an outdoor turbary site where visitors can get the feel (and the smell!) of cutting turf. The Park is rich in insects, particularly butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies. Many woodland and wetland birds and several species of waterfowl nest here. Grey squirrels, badgers and hares are also present, while lizards and newts can be found in the open bog areas.

Within the park are two National Nature Reserves, declared in 1980 for their unique flora and fauna species, many of which are found nowhere else in Northern Ireland. Annagarriff (meaning rough bog) is a 77ha reserve comprising of wooded drumlin hills separated by areas of regenerating cut over bog. Of the four wooded hills, one is a very ancient site with no record of ever having been cleared for farming. One of the most interesting sites in Annagarriff must be the huge mounds of plant debris up to 1m high and 2-3m across. These hills have been built by Wood Ants and are the only Irish site for this species.

Mullenakill (meaning church on the hill) is a 22 ha uncut remnant of a much more extensive bog which has been growing here for over 8,000 years. Core sampling carried out on the bog indicates that the peat is 9m deep.

Visit the peatlands website to learn more about peatland habitats.

Facilities

• Visitor Centre
• Education Centre (school groups)
• Toilets
• Access for disabled visitors
• Railway (carriages adapted for wheelchairs)
• Scooters for Shopmobility members
• Car/bus parking
• Souvenir shop
• Picnic areas
• Waymarked Routes Map (PDF 358kb)

Access and Booking

The main park gates and the gates at Derryadd Lough are open daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm Easter Sunday until the end of September and from 9.00am to 5.00pm during the winter months. Please check the signs for closing times on your arrival. Admission into the park is FREE all year round.

The Information Centre and Railway operate daily from 12.00pm to 5.00pm during June, July and August and at Weekends and Bank Holidays from Easter Sunday until the end of September. Please contact the park staff for discount on prebooked groups of 12 or more persons on the train.

Railway

The Peatlands Park narrow gauge Railway has been associated with the area since the 1950's and is a big attraction for the young and old alike. The new locomotive can take up to 70 passengers at a time on a 1.5km journey through leafy tunnels and restored open bog. Two of the carriages have been specially adapted to take wheelchairs. Close by the railway platform, a short stroll around the Bog Garden will provide the visitor with a chance to see virtually all the flora species associated with the peatland habitat.

Train Prices

Adults £1.00
Children 50p
Senior Citizens 50p
Under 5's FREE
Group Bookings (12+) 50p

Events 2008

Throughout 2008 Peatlands Park will be hosting a number of major events.The train will be free during these events.

Click here to view the online events calendar

Spring Into Life

Easter Sunday (23rd March) between 12.00 and 5.00pm.

Our annual wildlife gardening event. Your chance to help your local wildlife by making a bird nest box and learning how to garden for wildlife. Lots of children's fun activities including environmental art and face painting. Free train rides all day.

International Bog Day including The Northern Ireland Bog Snorkelling Championship 2008

Sunday 27th July between 11.00 and 5.00pm.

The goal of International Bog Day is promote an understanding of the natural beauty and value of peatlands and highlight their current plight. Celebrate International Bog Day at Peatlands Park and enjoy at leisure the natural beauty and culture of our bogs. Activities include face painting, kid’s arts and crafts. If you fancy a dip in a muddy bog drain, then contact the Park for an entry pack and take the plunge in the Bog Snorkelling Championship 2008 Click here to find out more and download an Entry Pack. Free train rides all day, stopping off at the Bog Snorkelling to drop off and pick up passengers.

Apple Day

Sunday 19th October 2008 between 10.00 and 5.00pm.

A celebration of our county apple heritage. Apple crafts, games, tasting, cookery demonstrations, food and fun for all the family. Free rides on the Orchard Express.

Car Parking

FREE parking is available for 200 cars or 20 coaches including 12 disabled parking bays. There is also a smaller Car Park at Derryadd Lough on the eastern margin of the park. Please contact the park staff if you require vehicle access into the park.

For further information, please contact:
Peatlands Park
33 Derryhubbert Road
Dungannon
BT71 6NW

Tel: 028 3885 1102
Fax: 028 3885 1821

Email: peatland@doeni.gov.uk

Getting Here

Peatlands Park is located at Junction 13 off the M1.

You can get to Peatlands park via the national cycling network however, please note that cycling/mountainbiking is not permitted in the park except for on vehicular roads.

The Park Code

• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Take all litter home or use bins provided
• Ensure all dogs are kept under control and not allowed to foul paths and mown grass
• Guard against all risks of fire
• The park contains some natural hazards, so stay on the paths and supervise children
• Make no unnecessary noise
• Cycling and mountain biking are not permitted in the Park except on vehicular roads
• Horse riding is only allowed in certain areas in the park and by permit only
• Camping is not permitted