Glencar Valley
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 Image © Mícheál Casey 2007 |
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Where
Glencar Lake is located around 10 Kilometres north east of Sligo town When All year round Introduction Formed by glaciers, Glencar Lake lies in Glencar Valley, between the Benbulben and Crockaun Mountains. The lake is approx. 2.5 kilometres long and 600 metres wide, and is fringed by coniferous and broadleaf forest. Birds Although the bird life is not as diverse as some other Sligo sites, Glencar Lake is worth visiting for the amazing scenery alone. The lake itself is relatively deep, but still manages to attract good numbers of Tufted Duck, Pochard and Goldeneye. Given the ever-increasing numbers of Goosander currently in County Wicklow, this site looks ideal for eventual colonisation by that species. The surrounding woodland attracts all four Irish tit species, as well as Treecreeper and Jay. The rivers flowing into and out of Glencar Lake hold Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Raven and Common Swift breed in the towering limestone cliffs above Glencar Lake. When to visit October - March Birds of Glencar Common (winter): Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Mallard, Cormorant, Raven Common (year-round): Raven, Cormorant, Dipper, Grey Wagtail Occasional: Peregrine Falcon, Chough, Long-eared Owl, Buzzard, Jay,Cuckoo, Teal, Wigeon, Whooper Swan Rare: The lake looks promising for rarities, such as Ospreys on passage, but few rarities have been reported, A hybrid Ring-necked Duck x Tufted Duck was at found at Glencar in November 2007, and Golden Eagles have been seen in the valley (mostly birds from the reintroduction programme in Donegal) |
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Getting There: Directions: From Sligo: Take the N16 northeast towards Manorhamilton and Enniskillen, continue for about 13 km, turning left at the sign for Glencar waterfall. Continue on this road, and the lake comes into view on the right, and this road follows the nnorthern shore, with some good vantage points, especially at the car park for Glencar waterfall. This road eventually re-joins the N16 east of the lake, and by returning towards Sligo, super views of the valley and surriounding mountains can be enjopyed from a car park mid-way along the lake, although this is a little too far from the lake for bird watching. Access by Public Transport There is no public transport available to reach Glencar Location Maps |
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Aerial Photo |
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Access, Viewing and Parking Access and Viewing Best viewing of the lake is from the road that follows the northern shore, and from the by-roads that lead up King's Mountain from this road, through the forest to thhe mountain top. Parking Please
park with due consideration for your own safety and with consideration
for other visitors and road users, i.e. do not park on corners, do not
block access or views for other drivers or do not obstruct roads.
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