Lough Boora Parklands

This short circular walk begins in the southern most car park situated on the eastern shore of Loch Turraun. Take the path that runs west along the raised embankment between Loch Turraun and Turraun Lagoon. After crossing the two wooden bridges, the path turns north, running parallel to the western edge of the lagoon, and then swings east toward the gravel road that will lead you back to your start point

Thing to look out for:

As the path runs along a raised embankment it affords good views across the lagoon. The dense stands of Reedmace and Common reed provide ideal conditions for the secretive Water rail – a bird you are more likely to hear than see – as well as Reed bunting and Sedge warbler. Small flocks of Long-tailed tits may be spotted flitting between the long stalks of the reeds looking for insects and you may see a flash of azure-blue as a Kingfisher flies by.

Gorse in full bloom

In summer, the Gorse that lines the path is in full bloom and, on a still day, fills the air with a scent reminiscent of vanilla or coconut. You may see a small brown-backed bird with reddish-buff underparts perched on the gorse but is it a Stonechat or the less common Whinchat? Dragonflies and damselflies, including the Common hawker and Black-tailed skimmer, frequent the grassland and reeds about the lagoon.

Birds of the shore

From the gravel road, you can look across the Turraun Wetlands where Teal and Wigeon are common in the winter and Pintail, Pochard and Shoveler may be seen in low numbers. Birds of the shore include Common sandpiper, Snipe and Ringed Plover.