Sligo's Birding Sites:
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(8) Sligo Town
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Where The sites described lie within the centre of Sligo town
When
All year round
Introduction
Of most interest in Sligo town is the river Garavogue. The Garavogue is the major outflow from Lough Gill into Sligo Harbour. Being only 5 kilometres in length, it is not a large river by any means. In its upper reaches it flows mostly through broadleaf parkland, before flowing through the centre of Sligo town. Shortly before reaching Sligo Harbour, it passes over some small rapids.
Birds
The Garavogue is best divided into two parts: the upper reach from Lough Gill to the J. Fallon bridge and the lower reach from the J. Fallon bridge to the mouth of the river. The upper reach is relatively deep, while shoreline is dominated by broadleaf forest. Cormorant, Mute Swan and Mallard can be found on the river, while Robin, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, all four Tit species and Treecreeper inhabit the woodland. The lower reach is shallower and consequently more turbulent. Dipper and Grey Wagtail can be seen on the exposed rocks in the channel, while Kingfisher is occasionally seen. Gulls frequently use the Garavogue at the JFK Parade for bathing and roosting. Glaucous and Ring-billed Gulls have been seen here in recent years. Single Red-breasted Mergansers have also been recorded at this stretch very occasionally in winter.
Access and Viewpoints
All the sites above are within walking distance of Sligo town centre.
Maps and Photos
Sligo Town is covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Map 25.
However, this map provides a much more detailed overview of Sligo town and the sites mentioned.