Lough Colgagh

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Image © Stephen McAvoy 2005

Summary
Medium-sized shallow lake with very rich feeding which is a good wintering site for ducks.

Click on the links on the right for further details Species Directions and Location Map Aerial Photo and Access


Where
Colgagh Lough is situated roughly 10 kilometres east of Sligo town


When
All year round


Introduction
Lying 1 kilometre north of Lough Gill, Colgagh Lough is one  of a series of small lakes in the upland area to the west of Sligo town. None of these lakes has any apparent outflow, but it is thought that they may be linked to  Lough Gill via subterranean rivers. Lough Colgagh forms a rough circle between 400 and 500 metres in diameter. It is surrounded  by farmland and is in places fringed by reeds.


Birds
As with Glencar, Colgagh Lough does not attract any particularly unusual bird species, but it is interesting for its  scenery and ecology. Set in an area of limestone and consequently quite basic (pH 8) in composition, it is host to several  rare invertebrate and plant species. Birds present include Little  Grebe, Mallard, Teal, and in summer a few Sedge Warblers and Reed Bunting.  Crossbills have been seen around the Lough Gill area and coniferous woodland about 1 kilometre to the east might be worth checking for that species.










Tufted Duck Pochard Raven

Jay
Chough
Mallard Wigeon Whooper Swan Lapwing
Mallard Wigeon Teal

Whooper Swan Lapwing
Curlew

Peregrine Falcon
Curlew



Getting There:

Directions:  

Access by Car
From Sligo town, take the R286 towards Dromahair for around 1 kilometre, taking the left turn signposted to  Calry. Follow this road for around 4 kilometres, taking the first right-hand turn in the village of Calry, 400 metres after passing a church on the left-hand side. This road  continues down to the lake, where there is a small car park. The road passing through Calry also passes by a forest park (1 Kilometre) and Doon Lough (6 kilometres), both of which are worth exploring.


Access by Public Transport
There is no Public Transport available.


Viewpoints
Colgagh Lough can be viewed with ease from the carpark by the old cemetery on the northern shore, while more distant but elevated views are possible from the parking bay on the N16 to the south of the lake.


Maps and Photos
Colgagh Lough is covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 16.



When to visit


October - March



Location Map 
Glencar Location map



Aerial Photo 
Lough Colgagh



See access map below:

LOUGH COLGAGH