Sculpture in the Parklands facts for kids
60 Degrees by Kevin O'Dwyer and Sky Train by Mike Bulfin
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| Established | 2002 |
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| Location | Lough Boora, County Offaly, Ireland |
Sculpture in the Parklands is a really cool outdoor art park in Lough Boora, County Offaly, Ireland. It's a huge area, about 50 acres, filled with amazing sculptures. These artworks are often made from natural materials found nearby. The park is open every single day of the year, and you can visit for free!
A talented artist named Kevin O'Dwyer started Sculpture in the Parklands in 2002. He worked with groups like Bord na Mona and the Arts Council to make this special place happen.
Contents
Discovering the Parklands' Artworks
The park is located in the beautiful wetlands of Lough Boora. This area used to be a bog, which is a type of wetland. Artists get ideas from the bog's natural beauty and its industrial past. They create large sculptures that become a permanent part of the park.
Sculpture in the Parklands started with an international event in 2002. Seven artists from Ireland and other countries came together. They spent three weeks creating art right there in the park. These first eight sculptures are the heart of the project.
Today, there are 20 unique sculptures spread throughout the Parklands. Each one was made specifically for its spot. This means the art fits perfectly with the landscape around it.
Artists and Their Creations
Every year, artists are invited to stay at the park. This is called an "artist in residency" program. During their stay, they create new artworks. The goal is for artists to be inspired by the special landscape. They also get ideas from the history of the bogland, which was once used for peat harvesting.
The park wants to help people learn about art. They do this by letting visitors see the sculptures and even take part in some activities. Besides the permanent sculptures, the park also asks other artists to create. This includes video artists, musicians, dancers, and performance artists. They help tell the story of this unique place, its folklore, and its industrial past.
Finding Your Way to the Park
Lough Boora Parklands is easy to reach from many places in County Offaly. It's right in the middle of Ireland!
Directions from Nearby Towns
- From Tullamore: Take the N52 road towards Birr. When you get to Blueball, turn right onto the R357. Follow this road towards Cloghan or Shannonbridge. You'll start to see the Parklands within about 7 kilometers.
- From Birr: Head on the N52 towards Tullamore. Look for the exit for the N62 to Athlone. Continue to Cloghan, then turn right at the roundabout onto the R357. The Parklands begin within about 2 kilometers.
Park Access for Everyone
The sculpture park has special parking spots for people with disabilities. It also has paths that are easy for wheelchairs to use. The Offaly Way, a walking and cycling trail, goes right through the park. You can even rent bikes there to explore!
Images for kids
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Sunrise at Ruaille Buaille by Patrick Dougherty
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60 Degrees and Cycles by Caroline Madden
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Boora Pyramid by Eileen MacDonagh
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Cycles by Caroline Madden and Boora Convergence by David Kinane
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Bog Track by Johan Seitzema
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Boora Convergence by David Kinane
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60 Degrees by Kevin O'Dwyer, Winter scene.
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Boora Convergence by David Kinane
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Boora Stacks by Naomi Seki
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Passage by Alan Counihan
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Passage by Alan Counihan, Winter Scene
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Ruaille Buaille by Patrick Dougherty
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Raised Line by Maurice McDonagh
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Sky Train by Mike Bulfin
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Tippler Bridge by Kevin O'Dwyer
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