Exploring the wildlife of Donegal Ireland.

Holiday in Donegal Ireland

Cottian self catering holiday cottages are surrounded by some of the finest natural woodlands in Donegal, and a short walk across a beautiful stretch of bogland will bring you to the banks of the Leannon, one of our most famous fishing rivers in this part of Ireland.

The area of native woodland in Ireland has been reduced to less than one percent, so Cottian in Donegal is of immense value as a wildlife habitat, and is designated as a Natural Heritage Area. Oak is the main large tree, but the smaller Birch is more abundant. The understorey, or layer of lower trees, is dominated by Hazel, Holly and Rowan. April and May is the time to see the wonderful displays of wildflowers - especially the great spreads of Wood Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Celandine and Bluebell. But it is the lower plants which are the real glory of these woods. Rich collections of Mosses, ferns and lichens cover the rocks and fallen timber, and festoon the branches overhead. Mosses are at their best in moist winter weather, and it's worth taking time to give some close attention to the wonderfully varied forms and textures of these ancient plants.

Bogs are also home to a huge diversity of mosses, but here you will find a different range of species like the Sphagnums which are designed to hold water, and are the main agents in the building of the layer of peat. Other important bogland plants are small shrubs like heather and bog myrtle, and a variety of sedges. These, along with Purple Moor-grass and the Bog Asphodel, are what give the bogs their wonderful displays of autumn colour.

The birds of the Cottian area include almost all of the woodland species of Ireland - Buzzards and Sparrowhawks are usually seen overhead, and summer mornings are full of the songs of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, and Song and Mistle Thrushes. All four Irish tit species are common, (Great, Blue, Coal and Long-tailed) as are Treecreepers. Jays have recently become more common, and it's worth listening out for the rare Wood Warbler, found only in the best native woodlands. Secretive species like Long-eared Owl and Woodcock are usually seen at dusk - which is the best time to see Badgers and Foxes emerging from their lairs. The Holly Blue Butterfly is a speciality of this area - look out for a flicker of blue around the Holly trees in May.

For winter birds, it is probably best to travel to the nearby Lough Swilly (about 10 miles), where most of Ireland's wildfowl and waders are in abundance. Whooper Swans and the rare Greenland race of the White-fronted Goose are the most important species, but there are magnificent flight displays over the mudflats by thousands of Dunlin and Golden Plover, tilting and turning in unison, flashing light and dark. It's worth visiting the freshwater intakes at Inch and Blanket Nook on the east bank of the Swilly where you can see up to ten species of wild duck.

Tree lovers and bird lovers alike are welcomed to our luxury holiday cottages, whether for a bird watching break or a just a weekend get away, you will enjoy the tranquil environment and natural beauty in Donegal.

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Holiday cottage Ireland

SMITHS COTTAGE, KILMACRENNAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND
Email: Holiday cottage Ireland

khuston@indigo.ie

or telephone:
00353 7491 39166 or mobile: 00353-851742010

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