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Image © Stephen McAvoy
2005 |
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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.
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| Tufted Duck |
Pochard |
Raven
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Jay
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Chough
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| Mallard |
Wigeon |
Teal
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Whooper Swan |
Lapwing |
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Peregrine Falcon
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Curlew |
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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 |
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Aerial
Photo |

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See access map below:
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