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'.

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 area which is shown in English, French and German. New film launched in 2013 is 'very good' according to David Puttnam!

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. 

After a visit to the Heritage Centre, a trip to Lough Hyne is recommended. Among the things to do, there is a nature Trail up Knockomagh Hill, which overlooks the lough. This spectacular walk takes approximately one hour and offers wonderful views of West Cork. Download the trail leaflet here.

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'