Lough Boora Parklands – a nature and outdoor sculpture park – was our last winner of RTPI Ireland's Best Places competition.
The nationwide competition, organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute Ireland, celebrates the places protected, planned or improved by town planners for communities.
Almost 12,000 people voted on a shortlist of 10 places. Lough Boora Parklands had an impressive 18% share of the total votes cast
Tully Cross, a scenic village in County Galway, and Cork City Centre, the thriving and historic city centre, won second and third place respectively.
Situated in County Offaly, Lough Boora Parklands attracts some 100,000 visitors a year. Once an industrial peat bog, its transformation includes the creation of a nature reserve maintained by the Irish Wildlife Trust that aims to ensure its natural resources and biodiversity remain for generations to come. A visitor centre, café and extensive trails encourage cyclists and walkers to explore the beautiful landscape and sculpture park, which displays sculptures from national and international artists.