Westmeath

The best illustration in Ireland of the transition from alkaline fen to acidic raised bog and one of the few remaining in Europe. It contains a large number of uncommon plants and insects which are rare in Europe. The bog is rated as being of international importance. The greater part of the bog was purchased by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council with funds generously provided by the Dutch Foundation for the Conservation of Irish Bogs. It was then handed over to the State for management as a Nature Reserve.

Birds include Skylark and Common Snipe. Plants include Sphagnum Moss, Sundew and the notable species Round-leaved Wintergreen (Pyrola rotundiflora).