Pollardstown Fen Walk

This walk visits the Pollardstown Fen national nature reserve County Kildare. The boardwalk length is just under 1 km.
The fen is Ireland's largest remaining spring-fed fen and is of international ecological importance, recognised as a Special Area of Conservation. The walk begins at the reserve's car park, where information boards detail the area's unique features and significance. A well-maintained boardwalk guides visitors through the fen, allowing for easy exploration of its unique habitat while minimising disturbance to the sensitive ecosystem. Along the way, you'll encounter open expanses of wetland, reed beds, and pools, all set against the backdrop of the surrounding lowland countryside.
Pollardstown Fen is a haven for biodiversity and boasts a fascinating array of flora and fauna. The fen supports a variety of wetland plants, including sedges, reeds, and rushes, as well as wildflowers such as marsh marigold and meadowsweet, which add seasonal colour to the landscape. The presence of rare species, unique to calcareous wetlands, highlights the site's ecological importance. The surrounding woodland and grassland also feature native trees and shrubs, including willows and alder.
Birdwatchers will find the fen particularly rewarding, with species such as snipe, reed warblers, and moorhens commonly sighted. The pools and channels also attract waterfowl, including teal and mallard. Dragonflies and damselflies are abundant in the summer months, darting across the water’s surface, while frogs and newts thrive in the wetland environment. Mammals such as otters and foxes may also occasionally be seen.

Pollardstown Fen Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

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Pollardstown Fen Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the east there's the historic town of Naas where you can enjoy an easy stroll along the Naas Branch of the Grand Canal canal. The Sallins Canal Walk also starts near here.
The Hill of Allen includes an interesting 19th century tower and an excellent viewpoint.

Naas Canal Walk, Blessington Lakes Walk, Ballymore Eustace Loop, Grand Canal, Saggart Woods Slade Valley, Donadea Forest, Sallins Canal Walk, Hill of Allen

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