Take Me to the River 2026: Ancient_Rhythm_Connect
Location: Girley Bog
Date: Sunday 26th July 2026
Time: 10am - 12pm
Price: Free, booking essential
Participants: All ages
Click here to find out more about Take Me to the River.
One of the few remaining raised bogs in County Meath, step into the quiet magic of Girley Bog where land, water, and story meet. An integral part of the wider landscape, explore the bog’s pathways and uncover the essence of this ancient, living landscape, rich in texture, life and memory.
Guided by peatland geographer Kate Flood, and artist Penelope Lacey, walk the short, looped trail on this site of conservation significance within the Blackwater and Boyne Catchment. Rooted in the spirit of Fraughan Sunday, celebrate folklore, seasonal rhythms, and the stories held within the land, tuning into the bogs sensory world while discovering its unique biodiversity and ecological richness.
Celebrating International Bog Day, discover the interconnections of bogs and waterways, the benefits they provide, the threats they face, and ways we can all help these rare and precious environments thrive.
Further details including meeting point and recommendations will be shared in the days leading up to the event.
Facilitators:
Kate Flood is a researcher focusing on the cultural and social dimensions of peatland conservation and the role of communities in contributing to the restoration and resilience of peatlands. Integrating social science, ecology, and creative and participatory methodologies she has worked with conservation practitioners, state agencies, NGOs, and local community members to help raise awareness of the many values and ecosystem services of peatlands through culturally aware science communication.
She is currently the Community Wetlands Forum representative on the EU 2020 Horizon ‘Waterlands’ Restoration project and Project lead for the Girley Bog site in Gnáthóga Nádúrtha (Natural Habitats) 2022, a project funded by the Arts Council 'Invitation to Collaboration' Award, led by Carlow County Council Arts Service.
Penelope Lacey is a sculptor and socially engaged artist based in County Meath. Her work is inspired by social connections, environmental issues and nature. She has worked collaboratively with private and public organisations, schools, youth groups and other community sectors on several co-creative projects. She uses sculpture and other creative practices as a way of allowing others to explore their own lived experience and realise their creative potential. Areas for artistic enquiry include harvesting wild clay from various points in County Meath.
Image Credit: @Oliver Hegarty