Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

Clara Bog Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre Clara Bog is one of the best remaining examples of raised bog in Western Europe. Clara Bog Visitor Centre is located on the R436 in Clara, Co.

Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre in the heart of Ireland's midlands, managed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage). Offaly in the heart of the Midlands- 10 minutes' drive from the M6 motorway and 15 minutes' drive from Tullamore. The centre provides interpretive facilities for the Clara Bog Nature Reserve and is managed by the National Par

ks and Wildlife Service. Admission to the Centre and Nature Reserve is free. Clara Bog is one of the best remaining examples of a relatively intact raised bog in Western Europe. It contains fine examples of hummocks, hollows, lawns, pools and flushes; all classic components of a raised bog. There is also a large range of plant and animal life to be found on the bog from sphagnum mosses, sundews and bog cotton to dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and birds such as curlew and snipe. The centre aims to make the public more aware of the rare habitats and species found on Clara Bog and its importance on a local, national and international scale. Centre facilities include:
- Family friendly interactive multimedia exhibition
- Audio visual facilities, including a short film
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Parking facilities
- Toilet & baby changing facilities

Please note Clara Bog main Boardwalk is now re-opened following repair works.   Clara Bog Visitor Centre is currently cl...
30/03/2026

Please note Clara Bog main Boardwalk is now re-opened following repair works.

Clara Bog Visitor Centre is currently closed and will remain closed until further notice.

Thankyou for your patience.

Important Public Notice Relating to the Closure of Clara Bog Main Boardwalk for Repairs.As of Thursday February 12 2026,...
12/02/2026

Important Public Notice Relating to the Closure of Clara Bog Main Boardwalk for Repairs.
As of Thursday February 12 2026, the main Boardwalk at Clara Bog, including the spur back towards Clara, is closed to the public for essential maintenance and repairs.
For Health and Safety reasons, no public access is permitted for the duration of the closure.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service regrets any inconvenience caused, and will endeavour to have the necessary repairs carried out as soon as possible. Further updates will issue in due course.
The nearby boardwalks at Tony’s Hill, and Ballinough remain open for visitors to enjoy.
Any queries in relation to this closure can be sent to [email protected]

Please note the Visitor Centre will be CLOSED this Friday 21st November. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
19/11/2025

Please note the Visitor Centre will be CLOSED this Friday 21st November. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please note, Clara Bog Visitor Centre will be closed Thursday 13th and Friday 14th November. Apologies for any inconveni...
11/11/2025

Please note, Clara Bog Visitor Centre will be closed Thursday 13th and Friday 14th November. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Pease note Clara Bog Boardwalk has now re-opened following repair works. Thank you for your patience.
07/11/2025

Pease note Clara Bog Boardwalk has now re-opened following repair works. Thank you for your patience.

Please note the Visitor Centre will be closed tomorrow Thursday 6th. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
05/11/2025

Please note the Visitor Centre will be closed tomorrow Thursday 6th. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please note Clara Bog Visitor Centre will be closed at the following times; From 3pm Friday 17thClosed all day Tuesday-W...
16/10/2025

Please note Clara Bog Visitor Centre will be closed at the following times;
From 3pm Friday 17th
Closed all day Tuesday-Wednesday 21st and 22nd.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Today is World Migratory bird day! We are celebrating the Eurasian Skylark. This small songbird lives in heath, grasslan...
11/10/2025

Today is World Migratory bird day!
We are celebrating the Eurasian Skylark. This small songbird lives in heath, grasslands and bogs. Their mottled colouring helps camouflage them and protect them from predators. Skylark feed on seeds and insects.
The range of Eurasian skylark stretches from Europe across Asia. In Ireland, Skylark are residents all year round. They are found mainly in upland heath and bogs where they breed in summer, only moving towards coasts and lowland grasslands in winter.
Populations of skylark from Northern Europe migrate here in winter, enjoying our milder climate from October to March.
Skylark have a crest of feathers on their head, which they raise when alarmed or excited. They are known for their distinctive, continuous song, which they perform while hovering high the air.

Join us this Mid Term break for lots of batty activities, just in time for Halloween. Learn all about our amazing Irish ...
09/10/2025

Join us this Mid Term break for lots of batty activities, just in time for Halloween.
Learn all about our amazing Irish bat species, and bats from around the world!
There are lots of fun activities and arts and crafts, including colouring and mask-making.

Please note the Visitor Centre will be CLOSED Friday 10th October. Apologies for any inconvenience.
08/10/2025

Please note the Visitor Centre will be CLOSED Friday 10th October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Reserve NoticeDue to the Yellow Weather warning in effect today, we recommend visitors do not go into Nature Reserve tra...
03/10/2025

Reserve Notice
Due to the Yellow Weather warning in effect today, we recommend visitors do not go into Nature Reserve tracks or trails for the duration of the Warning.

Yellow warning in effect from today Friday 3rd 12:00 to 00:00 Saturday 4th.

Address

Ballycumber Road
Clara

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm
Friday 10am - 1pm
2pm - 5pm

Telephone

+353579368878

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