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If you wish to make
a financial donation to
Skibbereen Heritage
Centre.
Please click on the
button below. |
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Lough Hyne, Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve,
nestles in a fold of hills 5 km south west of Skibbereen in West
Cork. This marine lake is fed from the sea by a narrow tidal channel
known as 'The Rapids'.
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 This
unique lake and its surrounds are home to a rich and varied range of
plants and animals, including many rare and beautiful species. Since
it was ‘discovered’ by marine biologists in 1886, scientists
have carried out pioneering research in experimental ecology. Their
continued research into the factors governing the distributions of marine animals and
plants make Lough Hyne on of the most- studied marine sites of Europe.
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The history of Lough Hyne is rich
and diverse. The area hosts a ruin of St. Bridgit’s Church and St
Bridgit’s well where, it is said, the knees of the saint have
left impressions in the rock. According to legend, the king with
donkey's ears lived in Clohane Castle, the ruins of which stand on
the island in the lake. The seawalls surrounding the lake and ‘The
Rapids’ are partly due to Famine Relief Work carried out in the
area.
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 Skibbereen Heritage Centre
shows an audio-visual documentary on the history, formation and
folklore of this unique area. Can be heard in English, Irish, French and German.
A second 15 minute audio-visual presentation shows underwater Lough
Hyne and some of the species found in its variety of habitats.
Panels on its history, marine
habitats and activities at the lake are presented alongside
salt-water aquaria containing some of the more common species to be
found in the lake.
Panels originally painted by
Gerrit Van Gelderen, show the unusual tidal movements and species in
the lake and environs.
Some of the comments from the visitors' book:
'great place to visit before going to the lake'
'almost as special as Lough Ine is'
'lovely film, relaxing Lough Hyne'
'learnt loads about the lake, thanks!'
'I love the fish!'
'Lough Hyne is well worth looking after, thank you'
'wish I'd come here before going to the lake and found out about the
walks!'
'staying at Lough Ine, this is great to learn about it'
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