Killykeeghan National Nature Reserve

Heritage

This Nature Reserve’s limestone grassland is managed through conservation grazing and is characterized by low growing plants such as thyme and bird’s foot trefoil. Bird’s foot trefoil is the food plant of the caterpillars which after cocooning, reveal themselves as the rare dingy skipper butterfly. You can spot this unusual creature here in the Nature Reserve in early summer. You also may find the Common Blue butterfly and another rarity, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly.

In places the prehistoric limestone that resides here, is overlain by patches of acidic soils which, in early June are swathed with pink heath-spotted orchids. The gorgeous Lesser Butterfly Orchid also blooms here, their flowers mimicking white moths which are thus lured to pollinate them. Lesser Butterfly Orchids can reach up to 30cm in height, making them a wonderful sight to see.  Rarities found here include Field Gentian, (a glorious wildflower) and the small White Mountain Orchid as well as Hazel Scrub which has found a niche within the nature reserve as well.

The site is also a refuge for the cheeky Red Squirrel as well as Pine Martens and the Irish Stoat. The buzz and hum of wildlife never ceases within the nature Reserve, as Cuckoos can be heard calling, seeking out Meadow Pipits’ nests in which to lay their eggs.

Aside from all the life and nature available to you, you will also spot some fine examples of limestone pavement and glacial erratics within Killykeegan, further enriching archaeological curiosities.