Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
Lough Foyle
BallykellyOpenSee opening timesExplore the shores of the vast and rugged Lough Foyle, watching as Peregrines harry waders and Otters fish in the lough's nooks and crannies.
About
The vast, open estuary views create a spectacular landscape at Lough Foyle. This is the second largest area of intertidal habitat in Northern Ireland and the stretching mudflats, salt marsh and sandflats provide a brilliant backdrop for birdwatching. These habitats welcome vast numbers of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders throughout the year.
In spring, displaying Lapwings perform acrobatics over the fields as Otters fish in the larger drains. Come autumn, Whooper Swans call to each other as they fly in to roost, and Peregrines send huge flocks of waders wheeling.
The open water of the Lough hosts a great array of ducks, including Pintails, Wigeons and Teals. We sometimes spot Common Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks too. The large, open fields behind the sea wall attract feeding and roosting flocks of over 500 Whooper Swans, along with groups of Golden Plovers, Lapwings and a mix of other waders through the autumn into the spring. Over spring and summer, be sure to look out for breeding Lapwings, lolloping Irish Hares and if you're really lucky a secretive Otter slinking around.
At a glance
There is no formal car park, but the lough can be viewed from road lay-bys.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Derry 8 miles away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Derry 8 miles away.
There are no managed trails here.
There are no managed trails here.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Derry 8 miles away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Assistance dogs and other dogs under control welcome.
There are no RSPB trails here for dog walking.
Contact Lough Foyle
Gareth.Bareham@rspb.org.uk NI Headquarters, Belfast, Castlereagh, BT8 7QT 028 9049 1547