Pollardstown Fen

Pollardstown Fen is a 220 hectare alkaline wetland in County Kildare featuring straw-colored reeds, meadowsweet, marsh valerian, and willow shrubs distributed across the site. Marked footpaths wind through the protected area, allowing visitors to explore different sections of this nature reserve at their own pace.

The wetland formed after the Ice Age roughly 10,000 years ago from an extensive lake system and contains preserved pollen layers that record environmental shifts over time. These deposits provide evidence of how the landscape evolved through different climate periods.

Local communities and environmental groups have worked together to protect this wetland as an important natural sanctuary. Today it serves as a place where people learn about how diverse ecosystems function and why peatlands matter.

Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for wet ground, as the terrain can be boggy and muddy in places. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes to comfortably explore the various habitats throughout the site.

This location holds Ireland's largest population of saw-sedge grass and supports several uncommon moth species and the protected marsh fritillary butterfly. These specialized species depend on the particular conditions found only in this alkaline wetland.