Irish Wildflowers on Bogs, Fens and Acidic Heathland

There are two main types of peatland bog to be found in Ireland, the raised bogs of the central lowlands, rising above the fens that surround them, and the blanket bog which has developed over thousands of years on poorly drained ground. Lowland blanket bog is found on the Atlantic coastline, upland blanket bog on hills and mountains. Less than 10% of Irish peatlands remain relatively intact, but there are some areas preserved as nature reserves, protecting the flora and fauna associated with them.

Wildflowers growing on damp, acidic heaths and bogs and fens are included in this section, plants of dry, sandy or calcareous heathland (base-rich or above limestone, well-drained, nutrient-rich) can be seen in the Coastal or Limestone sections. Lichens found on acidic uplands can be seen here (link opens in new window).