Sligo's Birding Sites:
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(10) Ballisodare Estuary
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Where
Ballisodare Estuary lies about 5 kilometres south-west of Sligo town
When
Between late August and April
Introduction
Lying south-west of Sligo town, Ballisodare Estuary is the one of the three estuaries entering Sligo Bay. It is mostly surrounded by farmland. Some of southern part of the estuary has been reclaimed from the sea (Tanrego Intake). Before flowing into the estuary, the Ballisodare River passes over some impressive rapids.
Birds
Ballisodare Estuary is broadly similar to Sligo Harbour and shares much the same birdlife. Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail can be found along the section of rapids mentioned above. As the river starts winding its way through the mudflats, a stand of reeds has developed on its left-hand bank. With a bit of luck, a Water Rail can be seen walking through them, or at least heard squealing. All the duck and wader species mentioned in the Cummeen Strand area also occur on the mudflats here. Besides these, small numbers of Black-tailed Godwit also overwinter. At high tide and in the deeper channels, Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Shag, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser feed in the estuary. Rarities to have been seen in Ballisodare include a Little Egret in 2002 and September 2004 as well as a Green-winged Teal in January 2003.
Access by Car
Ballisodare is reached by taking the N4 out of Sligo town and taking the signposted turn for the village. This road passes alongside the estuary, but it is best to continue into the village and use the first roundabout to retrace your steps. Park at the edge of the road just as it begins to swerve right. Unfortunately, the large volumes of traffic passing make this a less than ideal watchpoint. Streamstown is reached by taking the N59 out of Ballisodare village towards Ballina. The site is signposted from this road and there is a small car park there. Portavaud is reached by continuing on the N59 through Beltra and taking the first signposted turn for Aughris Head. Continue on this road for 3 kilometres, taking a right turn at the first intersection. The Inishes are reached by taking the R292 to Strandhill from close to Ballisodare village. Continue on this road for around 2 kilometres, taking the first left turn. Follow this road for 800 metres, taking a left at the T-junction. By continuing straight on, this road will take you back to the R292.
Access by Public Transport
There is a regular bus service to Ballisodare village and along the N 59 from Sligo town. From Ballisodare village, it is a walk of around 4 kilometres to Streamstown. The most convenient set down point for reaching Portavaud is Drumard; from there, it would be roughly 2 kilometres on foot.
Maps and Photos
The whole of Ballisodare estuary is covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 25. John the Map provides a map of Ballisodare village.
This picture shows the view from the fish farm over Ballisodare estuary with Knocknarea in the background.
Where
Ballisodare Estuary lies about 5 kilometres south-west of Sligo town
When
Between late August and April
Introduction
Lying south-west of Sligo town, Ballisodare Estuary is the one of the three estuaries entering Sligo Bay. It is mostly surrounded by farmland. Some of southern part of the estuary has been reclaimed from the sea (Tanrego Intake). Before flowing into the estuary, the Ballisodare River passes over some impressive rapids.
Birds
Ballisodare Estuary is broadly similar to Sligo Harbour and shares much the same birdlife. Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail can be found along the section of rapids mentioned above. As the river starts winding its way through the mudflats, a stand of reeds has developed on its left-hand bank. With a bit of luck, a Water Rail can be seen walking through them, or at least heard squealing. All the duck and wader species mentioned in the Cummeen Strand area also occur on the mudflats here. Besides these, small numbers of Black-tailed Godwit also overwinter. At high tide and in the deeper channels, Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Shag, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser feed in the estuary. Rarities to have been seen in Ballisodare include a Little Egret in 2002 and September 2004 as well as a Green-winged Teal in January 2003.
Access by Car
Ballisodare is reached by taking the N4 out of Sligo town and taking the signposted turn for the village. This road passes alongside the estuary, but it is best to continue into the village and use the first roundabout to retrace your steps. Park at the edge of the road just as it begins to swerve right. Unfortunately, the large volumes of traffic passing make this a less than ideal watchpoint. Streamstown is reached by taking the N59 out of Ballisodare village towards Ballina. The site is signposted from this road and there is a small car park there. Portavaud is reached by continuing on the N59 through Beltra and taking the first signposted turn for Aughris Head. Continue on this road for 3 kilometres, taking a right turn at the first intersection. The Inishes are reached by taking the R292 to Strandhill from close to Ballisodare village. Continue on this road for around 2 kilometres, taking the first left turn. Follow this road for 800 metres, taking a left at the T-junction. By continuing straight on, this road will take you back to the R292.
Access by Public Transport
There is a regular bus service to Ballisodare village and along the N 59 from Sligo town. From Ballisodare village, it is a walk of around 4 kilometres to Streamstown. The most convenient set down point for reaching Portavaud is Drumard; from there, it would be roughly 2 kilometres on foot.
Maps and Photos
The whole of Ballisodare estuary is covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 25. John the Map provides a map of Ballisodare village.
This picture shows the view from the fish farm over Ballisodare estuary with Knocknarea in the background.
