Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
Located east of Longford town mainly within County Longford, this site comprises the larger Lough Kinale and, to its south-east, Lough Derragh. Lough Kinale has two main basins which are almost separated by swamp formations. The main input of water comes from Lough Sheelin via the River Inny. Both lakes are linked by a short channel and are used for fishing.
Loughs Kinale and Derragh are important for waterfowl. Species occurring in nationally important numbers are
Aythya ferina (1,639 birds, 1996),
Aythya fuligula (873 birds, 1996) and
Fulica atra (552 birds, 1996).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
There is some disturbance to birds due to wildfowling and boating. The site is state-owned, allowing shooting pressure to be regulated by NPW. Pollution of the lake due to adjacent conifer plantations, causing siltation and fertilizer run-off, is likely.
National None
International High281 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough, 281 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh (Ireland). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lough-kinale-and-lough-derragh-iba-ireland on 24/11/2024.
