Ballycroy National Park

Ballycroy National Park

Ballycroy National Park is located near the Nephin Mountains in northwestern County Mayo, Ireland. Established in 1998, it covers an area of 11,000 hectares and is home to Europe’s largest expanse of peatland, including 117 square kilometers of Atlantic blanket bog.

As Ireland’s sixth national park, Ballycroy consists of vast areas of blanket bog, towering sea cliffs, and gently flowing streams. It holds international significance for blanket bog conservation and provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The expansive park gives visitors the impression of stepping into a remote, uninhabited wilderness, where its sheer scale and wildness evoke one of the most pristine natural environments. With large tracts of undeveloped land and expansive mountainous regions, the park boasts a well-preserved ecological environment that supports unique species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Designated as both a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area, the park is committed to protecting the diversity of its ecosystems.

This diverse national park has become one of Europe’s most important sites for bird migration and breeding. Among the most commonly seen birds are the barnacle goose, along with species such as the whooper swan, peregrine falcon, and corncrake.

Ballycroy National Park

Must-visit reason: Ireland’s most expansive national park

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/state where the attraction is located: County Mayo [County Mayo]