Mongan Bog, Co. Offaly Click on an image to view a larger version.
		Title:				Freehold
		Date Acquired:				1979
		From Whom Acquired:				Bord na Mona
		Designations:				First designated National Nature Reserve, in 1987. Makes up large proportion of SPA for Birds. Mongan Bog Nature Reserve (the An Taisce property) designated a RAMSAR site, 1988. Mongan Bog Nature Reserve recognised as a Biogenetic Reserve as part of the Council of Europe network of reserves, 2nd June 1988. Makes up part of a proposed Clonmacnoise Heritage Zone. Part of proposed SAC. Part of proposed NHA.
		Management:				Bord na Mona and Duchas in coordination with An Taisce.
		Management Contacts:				An Taisce Head Office.

ADDRESS / GRID REFERENCE

• Located 12kms south of Athlone and 1.5kms east of the Clonmacnoise National Monument.
• N 53' 19'' W 7' 58''

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

• Recognised, nationally and internationally, for its scientific importance as one of the last remaining intact and sustainable midland raised bogs in Ireland.
• One of the few raised bogs used by Greenland White Fronted Geese. Over ¾ of total world population overwinter in Ireland.
• Contains plant and animal species of some rarity or restricted distribution in Ireland.

HISTORY / DESCRIPTION
A raised bog in a late glacial lake basin, contained by gravel esker ridges. The Nature Reserve encloses three distinct habitats; cutaway bog, a man-modified zone and the dome of the raised bog.

HOW ACQUIRED
Transferred.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PLAN

• Review current management.
• Build-up membership and awareness of An Taisce in Offaly.
• Establish management committee with the appropriate structures and personnel.
• Complete the implementation of the conservation plan.
• Renew and up-grade signage.
• Use international conservation status to develop international membership of An Taisce.
• Develop a staged tourism development plan.
• Establish an endowment fund.