2nd May 2013: A new looped walk is to be developed on and around Lullymore Island, Co. Kidare, taking in the surrounding natural and cultural heritage. Unlike other islands, Lullymore is not surrounded by the sea but by bogland. The mineral island of Lullymore is a small paradise boasting a rich history, that goes back to the Ice Age, and wide diversity of nature including butterflies, hare, curlew, lizard and newt are found there. This project will ensure visiors and citizens can take a walk on the beautiful island of Lullymore.
“It has surprised me that a land-locked island of just four square kilometres as remote as Lullymore, safeguards such a rich biodiversity and history. Especially now as spring breaks through and the weather improves, I realize how nice a looped walk would be to connect the different features, habitats and stories of the area,” says Leonie Tijsma, the project co-ordinator. “Visitors on the Lullymore Island looped walk can discover bogs, St. Patrick’s footprint, the foundations of a bog road or togher, hedges, the network of small fields and the warm welcome of its island people,” she added.
Leonie Tijsma studies Forestry and Nature Conservation at the Larenstein University in the Netherlands and has come to Ireland to complete her bachelor thesis. She is working with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), out of the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Leonie has begun her work mapping potential routes and engaging with stakeholders around the island. She will be in Ireland to work on this project until the end of August 2013.
From a press release from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, 2 May 2013