Clara Bog

Clara Bog is a large wetland area in County Offaly, characterized by raised bog, mineral-rich pools, and marshy vegetation. The landscape features distinct landforms such as elevated sections and hollows that give the bog its varied natural structure.

The bog developed after the last ice age when glacial retreat created a barrier that prevented water from draining, transforming an old lake into the current wetland. In the 1980s, environmental protection efforts saved the area from large-scale peat extraction.

The name reflects the Irish word for bog, and today visitors experience how this wetland shapes the landscape. People come to observe the specialized plants and animals that thrive in this habitat.

A wooden boardwalk about one kilometer long winds through the protected area with information signs along the way. A visitor center provides displays and educational videos for those wanting to learn more about the ecosystem.

This area is home to rare bird species like the merlin and mammals such as otters that are rarely found in other European bogs. It remains one of the few places where these animals can still be spotted in their natural habitat.

Location: County Offaly

Inception: 1987

GPS coordinates: 53.31972,-7.63972

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00