Part of the townland of Derrybeg lies within the Lough Gara Special Protection Area 004048; the account of an ancient fort belongs to the place itself. Lough Gara lies in the wider area around Derrybeg and is a habitat for waterbirds; this nature connection is geographically distinct from the protected-area connection of part of the townland.
Nature around Lough Gara
The Lough Gara Special Protection Area is a special bird protection area. The protected area includes part of the townland of Derrybeg. In the wider area around Derrybeg, Lough Gara is regularly used by an internationally important population of Greenland white-fronted geese. Their mean peak count was 510 birds during the five winters from 1995/96 to 1999/2000. An internationally important population of whooper swans also uses the lake; their mean peak count was 321 birds during the five-year period from 1994/95 to 1998/99.
These figures are historical averages, not current counts. They allow a comparison of scale: the mean peak count of Greenland white-fronted geese during the period mentioned was higher than that of whooper swans during their own period. The averages refer to different five-year periods and are not a simultaneous comparison. This helps distinguish the protected-area connection of part of Derrybeg from the birdlife at Lough Gara as two nature-related topics with different geographical contexts.
Historical accounts in Derrybeg
An ancient fort is part of the historical record of Derrybeg. This local history adds another topic to the nature connection: while the information about geese and whooper swans relates to Lough Gara in the wider area, the fort is associated with Derrybeg itself.
County Sligo: additional perspectives
County Sligo has a range of archaeological and historical highlights. Carrowmore in County Sligo is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 surviving monuments at Carrowmore are almost 6,000 years old. The Carrowkeel megalithic complex in County Sligo includes tombs that are more than 5,000 years old; visitors may explore them, but must not climb on or damage them. Sligo Abbey in County Sligo offers a different historical perspective: the Dominican priory has extensive surviving medieval remains of its church, sacristy, and chapter house. Together, the three sites represent different ways of exploring history—Neolithic tombs at Carrowmore and Carrowkeel, and medieval monastic architecture at Sligo Abbey.
Streedagh Beach is one of County Sligo’s coastal highlights. The three-kilometre sandy beach connects Streedagh Point with Connor’s Island. Sand dunes and an estuary there support a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters at Streedagh Beach in County Sligo; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part. The Spanish Armada Visitor Centre at Streedagh Beach in County Sligo presents recovered artefacts and immersive exhibitions about the wreck and its sole survivor. Check current opening hours before travelling.
Mullaghmore Head in County Sligo is a well-known surfing spot and also has a walking route along the coast. At the foot of Benbulben in County Sligo, paths and minor roads provide access to the mountain landscape; check local conditions before going for a walk. In County Sligo, Lissadell House & Gardens on the shores of Sligo Bay in the north of Sligo offers another opportunity for walks. The estate was the childhood home of Countess Markievicz, and visitors can use its woodland trails and walking paths. The coastal route, mountain landscape, and paths on an estate thus offer different options in the County Sligo area.
For food and craft experiences, County Sligo has the Sligo Food Trail, a network of more than 70 food-related businesses. The Sligo Food Trail in County Sligo also includes four weekly arts, crafts, and food markets. As market schedules may change, check the information again before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Collooney, Tobercurry, Castlebaldwin, Lavagh, Easky, Ballygawley, Streedagh, Gorteen.
For the broader travel overview: County Sligo.
