Battle of Giants at Lough Boora raises over €4,500 for Barretstown

Families from across the country participated in this year’s Battle of Giantsat Lough Boora Discovery Park in Co Offaly on Sunday 24 August 2014.

The free Family Day at Lough Boora raised over €4,500 for children’s charity Barretstown as part of their 20th Anniversary celebrations this year, through the generous donations of attendees.

As part of National Heritage Week, the event celebrated Irish Myths and Legends and featured a battle between Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Scottish giant, Angus, with the assistance of mini warriors using their handmade armour battle shields, helmets and axes from the day’s workshop activities.

Over 2,500 visitors made their way to Lough Boora to participate in the action-packed afternoon, where Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his army came away from the first battle with a victory, only to be defeated by Angus and his loyal warriors in the second battle of the day!

Children entered a Colouring Competition in the Kids Zone and took part in drumming workshops, archery tag and zorbing, with the park’s walking and cycling trails busy throughout the day.

The event also marked the celebration of the new on-site Lough Boora Visitor Centre which will act as a point of information for families.

New signage throughout the park provides route maps of designated walking trails and cycling tracks, angling lakes and bird watching hides, including information on Nature & Biodiversity, Activities & Amenities, the History of Lough Boora and the Story of Bord na Móna.

For more information about future events and activities for families, schools and visitors of all ages and abilities, visit www.loughboora.com , follow the #loughboora hashtag and connect with Lough Boora Discovery Park via Twitter @loughboorapark, Facebook and YouTube.