Sheskinmore Lough is one of Ireland’s most important nature reserves. Located on the Donegal coast, it is a small, shallow lough surrounded by a network of marsh, reedbed, sand dunes, saltmarsh, machair and calcareous grassland. It is an important habitat for dragonflies, moths and butterflies; aquatic, coastal and lime-loving plants as well as many species of birds.
What is striking is the sheer variety of plants to be seen in such a small area. At least 10 of Ireland’s orchids can be seen here, growing alongside plants such as Devil’s-bit Scabious, Meadow Thistle, Yellow Rattle, Kidney Vetch, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lady’s Bedstraw, Wild Thyme and Cuckooflower. In spring there are plenty of Primroses and Bluebells to be seen. These in turn attract plenty of insects. Rare species of butterfly like the Marsh Fritillary, Small Blue and Dingy Skipper are relatively abundant; as are commoner species like the Wall Brown, Grayling, Small Heath, Small Copper, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary and Meadow Brown. Day-flying moths such as the Six-spot Burnet are also found here. There are several pools nestled among the dunes that attract dragonflies and damselflies such as the Black-tailed Skimmer and Four-spotted Chaser.
The site is also good for birds, especially in the winter. Whooper Swans, Barnacle Geese and White-fronted Geese migrate here in autumn and where they spend the winter. Ducks such as Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Shellduck can be seen along with waders like Lapwing, Golden Plover and Snipe. The rare Twite can be seen here in the winter too. Birds of prey such as the Hen Harrier and Merlin also frequent the area. In spring and summer migrating birds including the Cuckoo and Sand Martin are seen here. Sheskinmore is also abundant in Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.
