​​​​​Sculpture in the Parklands

​2002-2010

Bord na Mona - Lough Boora Workshops

photographs: Kevin O'Dwyer

Earth-specific sculpture that becomes one with the landscape

The sculptures at Sculpture in the Parklands are uniquely earth-specific, meaning the artwork is not just placed in the landscape but becomes an integral part of it. This innovative approach fosters a new, deeper relationship between people and the land. A key contributor to this vision is Bord na Móna, Ireland’s national peat harvesting company founded in 1946, which generously provided 50 acres of its cut-away bog lands for the development of Sculpture in the Parklands. This partnership transforms a reclaimed industrial peatland into a vibrant cultural space, where art and nature coexist to inspire ecological awareness and regeneration.

​A Tribute to the Bord na Móna Craftsmen Behind Sculpture in the Parklands

Sculpture in the Parklands was born from a powerful collaboration between visionary artists and the skilled craftsmen of Bord na Móna. This unique parkland would not exist without the dedication and creativity of both groups. The artists brought bold ideas; the Bord na Móna team—led by talented individuals like Seamus Barron and Don O'Boyle—brought those visions to life, transforming concepts into monumental sculpture installations that now define the landscape of Lough Boora.

Though the Bord na Móna workshop has since closed, this photomontage serves as a heartfelt tribute to the incredible people who made it all possible. For those who find inspiration in industrial craft and creative collaboration, the Boora workshop was nothing short of an adventure—alive with energy, skill, and the spirit of artistic challenge.

A sincere thank you to all the Bord na Móna craftsmen who worked with us from 2002 to 2010. Your legacy lives on in every sculpture across the parklands.

Kevin O'Dwyer

​Artistic Director 2002-2010