https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/killykeeghan-nature-reserve/
Killykeegan Nature Reserve is a mesmerising spot and a stunning section of the Marlbank scenic loop. This awe-inspiring landscape consists of prehistoric limestone hills formed hundreds of millions of years ago under a tropical sea. Now, it is a sanctuary, refuge and home for a wide variety of wildlife, making it a wonderful site to admire, learn from and most importantly, preserve.
Facilities: car parking, interpretation, McGrath’s cottage, toilets and the Killykeeghan Nature Reserve Walk.
Killykeeghan Nature Reserve
There is car parking and a short 600m circular trail at Killykeeghan where you can see fine examples of limestone pavement and glacial erratics, archaeological features, and historical farming features. There is also a small exhibition of local history on site in a restored cottage. Historical farming features can also be found within the Killykeegan Nature Reserve, allowing for a truly fascinating day out.
This Nature Reserve’s limestone grassland is managed through conservation grazing and is characterized by low growing plants such as thyme and bird’s foot trefoil. Bird’s foot trefoil is the food plant of the caterpillars which after cocooning, reveal themselves as the rare dingy skipper butterfly. You can spot this unusual creature here in the Nature Reserve in early summer. You also may find the Common Blue butterfly and another rarity, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.
In places the prehistoric limestone that resides here, is overlain by patches of acidic soils which, in early June are swathed with pink heath-spotted orchids. The gorgeous Lesser Butterfly Orchid also blooms here, their flowers mimicking white moths which are thus lured to pollinate them. Lesser Butterfly Orchids can reach up to 30cm in height, making them a wonderful sight to see. Rarities found here include Field Gentian, (a glorious wildflower) and the small White Mountain Orchid as well as Hazel Scrub which has found a niche within the nature reserve as well.
The site is also a refuge for the cheeky Red Squirrel as well as Pine Martens and the Irish Stoat. The buzz and hum of wildlife never ceases within the nature Reserve, as Cuckoos can be heard calling, seeking out Meadow Pipits’ nests in which to lay their eggs.
Aside from all the life and nature available to you, you will also spot some fine examples of limestone pavement and glacial erratics within Killykeegan, further enriching archaeological curiosities.
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Distances are from Killykeeghan Nature Reserve
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
