Pollagh benefited from the canal in earlier years when it brought investment and employment from Bord na Móna, and it is now a tourist attraction.

Pollagh is also known for its church, including its bog oak altar and stained glass windows, designed by the Harry Clarke studios.

A gravel road runs through the reserve leading eventually to further lakes, a heritage site, and onwards to Lough Boora.

[3] Lough Boora has been developed as a tourist attraction including environmental sculptures and a mesolithic site containing evidence of dwellings.

The stained glass windows of the Harry Clarke studio were installed in 1936, and depict the Blessed Virgin and the Sacred Heart.

In 2007 the carpet surrounding the altar was replaced with wood, in preparation for the celebration of mass live on Irish television channel RTÉ One.