Clara bog visitor centre to reopen in coming weeks say department

THE Clara bog visitor centre is set to reopen in the coming weeks.

The centre closed during Covid and has remained shut ever since.

A statement from the housing press office said: ''The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has just recently held Interviews for the positions of Head Guide and Education / Visitor Guides for Clara Bog Visitor Centre. Offers are currently being made from the respective panels. The NPWS looks forward to reopening the Visitor Centre to the public in the coming weeks.''

The award winning visitor centre contains an interactive interpretive area covering themes such as: the development of peatlands; biodiversity of raised bogs; the history and archaeology associated with raised bogs; and some unique facts about Clara Bog. The multi-purpose Audio Visual room can accommodate groups of 50

The centre opened in 2010 and it is co-located within Clara library on the Ballycumber Road.

It is 1.5km from the nature reserve which is located on the Clara-Rahan Road.

Visitors can park their car at the centre and will now be able to walk along a new footpath recently officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys to the Clara bog nature reserve.

The nature reserve boardwalk trail is open and accessible all year round.

The visitor centre was honoured to receive a private visit some years back from Her Royal Highness Princess Irene of The Netherlands and M.G.C. Schouten who has written extensively about raised bogs.

Minister Malcolm Noonan, Minister for State and Heritage and Electoral Reform announced €6,600 for the Clara Heritage Society for the funding of a community engagement event - the 'Bog Trotters Festival' which celebrates the bog and its many wonders.