Lough Kinale & Derragh

Lough Kinale straddles the borders of Longford, Cavan and Westmeath, close to the village of Finea. Derragh Lough is a much smaller adjacent lake, barely separated from Lough Kinale by a swamp area.

Lapwing

The lapwing is a member of the family Charadriidae and is related to the plover. It is sometimes known as a ‘peewit’, echoing the sound of its call. There are some resident lapwings in Ireland, but the population is largest during the winter months when visitors arrive from western and central Europe. The lapwing is listed on the Red Data Book as a vulnerable species.

Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland

Lapwing
Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland

Lapwing

The lapwing is a member of the family Charadriidae and is related to the plover. It is sometimes known as a ‘peewit’, echoing the sound of its call. There are some resident lapwings in Ireland, but the population is largest during the winter months when visitors arrive from western and central Europe. The lapwing is listed on the Red Data Book as a vulnerable species.

Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland

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The lakes’ vegetation is predominately green algae with a large community of reeds, principally Common Reed. Surrounding the lakes is a number of small but quite calcium-rich sedge marshes. The calcium-rich conditions are due to the underlying limestone base of the lakes. These areas support a community of calcium-loving plants such as Long-stalked Yellow-sedge and Marsh Pimpernel, as well as other flora such as Water Mint and Marsh Pennywort.

The entire Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough site is very important for waterfowl. It sustains nationally important populations of Mute Swan, pochard, Tufted Duck, wigeon, coot, as well as many other species. The adjoining wetland areas provide ideal shelter and feeding for Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew species.