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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'.
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.
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.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre
shows an audio-visual documentary on the history, formation and
folklore of this unique phenomenon. You can listen to the
presentation in English, Irish, French and German.
Exhibits also show the unusual
species to be found in the lake.
A salt water aquarium displays some
of the species to be found in the lake including goby, shanny,
blenny, 3 spined stickleback, shrimp, prawn, clingfish and many
more.
Panels originally painted by
Gerrit Van Gelderen, show the unusual tidal movements and species in
the lake and environs. Mr. Van Gelderen is well known for his
television series, ‘To The Waters and The Wild’.
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.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre
shows an audio-visual documentary on the history, formation and
folklore of this unique phenomenon. You can listen to the
presentation in English, Irish, French and German.
