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Inch Wildfowl Reserve

Donegal  >  Ireland

Brackish lagoon that hosts thousands of migratory birds in winter including geese, swans, ducks and waders.

Added* by Carol Gilroy
Most recent update 12 February 2021

Description

Inch Lough is a brackish lagoon cut out from Lough Swilly by embankments, and penned between Inch Island and extensive flat agricultural polders (slobs) on the mainland of County Donegal by a third long embankment. Each winter the site hosts thousands of migratory birds including geese, swans, ducks and other waders. During the winter months it is not unusual to see fields with several thousand Greylag Goose or Whooper Swan grazing and witness the return of the birds to the lake at dusk is impressive. During the summer months Inch Wildfowl Reserve is alive with activity as a huge variety of birds make this their home rearing their young around the lake.

Details

Access

Inch Wildfowl Reserve is located just 12km from Derry/Londonderry and 26km from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The pathway infrastructure at Inch Wildfowl Reserve caters for outdoor recreational activity including walking, running and cycling. The site includes a popular 8km looped path with seating, viewpoints and a number of bird hides open to the public. This scenic pathway follows around the lake edge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and wetlands. Admission to the Wildfowl Reserve is free of charge.

Terrain and Habitat

Lake , Sea , Grassland

Conditions

Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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