Cornafulla Micro Reserve

Cornafulla Micro Reserve A community-led organisation focused on the natural, cultural and ecological heritage of Cornafulla Bog.

12/08/2026

A lovely new film from Tóchar Stories, made by Helen Shaw of Athena Media, about how Cornafulla Micro Reserve came into being, how attention to the bog deepened, and how that curiosity became shared community action.

Many thanks to Helen for spending time with us at Cornafulla and bringing the story together.

Sun 9 August, 3–5pmBesom BashA new broom sweeps clean, but an old one knows the cornersJoin us for a final afternoon at ...
09/08/2026

Sun 9 August, 3–5pm
Besom Bash

A new broom sweeps clean, but an old one knows the corners
Join us for a final afternoon at Cornafulla to celebrate the Bog Bothy programme, share stories and think about what we would like to carry forward.

Everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered, gave a talk or workshop, shared local knowledge, or helped make the programme possible is warmly invited. We’ll also have live piano music from Johnstown native James Duffy.

We’ll bring together memories of heather besoms and try making one at the Bothy, with summer refreshments.

Poet Jackie Gorman has kindly offered everyone who attends a printed copy of one of her Shannon Callows poems. Bring a pen and ask Jackie to sign it, then take it home as a keepsake or frame it for your wall.

And if you have been to any Bog Bothy event this summer, please fill out our short feedback form:
https://form.jotform.com/262156443053048

Cornafulla Micro Reserve: Bog Bothy at Cornafulla BogSat 8 August, 2pmWorkshop with Helen Duncan, contemporary ceramic s...
07/08/2026

Cornafulla Micro Reserve: Bog Bothy at Cornafulla Bog

Sat 8 August, 2pm
Workshop with Helen Duncan, contemporary ceramic sculptor and mixed-media artist. Create a seed storage pot using the ancient techniques of pinching and coiling clay in this hands-on ceramic workshop. Inspired by age-old traditions of saving, storing and protecting seeds, participants will make their own clay vessel to take through the first stages of the ceramic process. Helen has kindly offered to kiln-fire the finished pots after the workshop, transforming them into durable ceramic vessels suitable for seed storage. All materials are provided. Fired pots can be collected at a later date.

Directions from Athlone: take the old Ballinasloe Road/ Galway Road to Michael Kenny Car Sales (N37 X9A2). Turn onto the L2036 towards Creggan. Continue for 6 Minutes. At the T-junction, keep right and stay on the L2036.
Nearest Eircode N37 FF10.

We’ve just been out on Cornafulla Bog with Eugene Dunbar, setting the moth traps for tomorrow morning.We won’t know what...
02/08/2026

We’ve just been out on Cornafulla Bog with Eugene Dunbar, setting the moth traps for tomorrow morning.

We won’t know what has visited until the traps are opened – which is part of the excitement.

Join us at the Bog Bothy for:

Moths of Cornafulla Bog + Bog Time Machine
Monday 3 August, 11am

A family-friendly morning with geography teacher Eugene Dunbar, exploring moths from the overnight trap and using peat-depth measuring rods to think about the hidden history beneath our feet.

We’re hoping lots of people from the Athlone River Festival will come along.

Nearest Eircode: N37 FF10

Can't wait and we so glad to be part of it this year!
28/07/2026

Can't wait and we so glad to be part of it this year!

27/07/2026

There is still plenty to come at the Bog Bothy.

Join us this Thursday for Conversations at Cornafulla:

4.30pm – Law and Environment
5.45pm – Nature and Education

Two conversations bringing together environmental law, land use, biodiversity, education and community perspectives, chaired by Ella McSweeney.

Cornafulla Bog Bothy, Thursday 30 July

Full programme and directions:
https://www.cornafullamicroreserve.com/schedule.html

27/07/2026

Happy International Bog Day!

🌱In the spotlight: Cornafulla Micro Reserve, a Community Wetlands Forum member

🌱For International Bog Day, we’re delighted to share a glimpse of the work taking place at Cornafulla Bog.

🌱Cornafulla Micro Reserve is a community-led organisation working with local landowners, researchers and the wider community to understand, protect and communicate the natural, cultural and ecological heritage of Cornafulla Bog.

🌱Their current work includes ecological recording, peat-depth mapping, exploring the bog’s hydrology and restoration potential, documenting wildlife, and creating opportunities for people to learn directly from the landscape.

🌱This summer, hosting the Bog Bothy has enabled them to programme a wide range of events for groups large and small, young and old.

🌱Walks, talks, workshops and discussions have explored peatland ecology, hydrology, birds, archaeology, biodiversity, writing, heritage and environmental decision-making, while bringing local knowledge, scientific research and community conversation together on the bog.

🌱Pictured here is peatland ecologist David Fallon during Deep Peat Bog Restoration Potential: Case Study Cornafulla Bog. David introduced people to sphagnum pools and the plants growing in and around them.

🌱The group also took part in a peat-depth measurement and learned how the probing equipment is used.

🌱The Bog Bothy programme continues until 9 August, and CMR’s work will continue beyond it through research, public engagement and regular opportunities to visit and learn about the bog.

🌱Full programme: https://www.cornafullamicroreserve.com/schedule.html




CONVERSATIONS AT CORNAFULLAJoin us at the Bog Bothy on Thursday 30 July for an afternoon of discussion exploring the fut...
24/07/2026

CONVERSATIONS AT CORNAFULLA

Join us at the Bog Bothy on Thursday 30 July for an afternoon of discussion exploring the future of nature, land use and education.

4.30pm – Law and Environment

“When policy does not decide, what decides the future of a bog?”

Chaired by Ella McSweeney, journalist, broadcaster and presenter, with Thomas Ball, Nature, Biodiversity and Land Use Lead at KPMG Ireland; Dr Alison Hardiman, barrister and consultant in climate and environmental law; and Fred Logue, environmental and planning lawyer.

5.45pm – Nature and Education

“Nature at the Centre – Changing education for biodiversity, climate and the future children are inheriting.”

With Patrick Kirwan, science teacher and Director of the Irish Schools Sustainability Network, and Dr Jessica Foley, lecturer, poet and researcher.

Everyone is welcome.

Full event details and the full Bog Bothy programme are available here:
https://www.cornafullamicroreserve.com/schedule

18/07/2026

A short extract from Owen Murphy’s talk on the birds of the Shannon Callows and Cornafulla Bog, presented as part of the Bog Bothy programme at Cornafulla.

Owen works with the Breeding Waders EIP, supporting efforts to protect breeding curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe across important wet grassland habitats.

Thank you to Owen and to everyone who joined us on the bog.

Full Bog Bothy programme:
www.cornafullamicroreserve.com/schedule.html

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Cornafulla
Co. Roscommon

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