Montiaghs Moss

Weave through still pools and swathes of heather at Montiaghs Moss, home to water-loving wildlife including dragonflies and damselflies. Walk the reserve’s boardwalk and mown pathways along a peaceful 1,100m trail that takes in a mosaic of habitats. Please note: Parts of this site are quite muddy, so suitable footwear like boots or wellingtons is recommended especially during wet weather. 

The network of pools at Montiaghs Moss is home to 13 species of breeding dragonfly and damselfly and many species of butterflies. In spring and summer, look out for Irish damselfly, Marsh Fritillary and Cryptic Wood White butterflies flitting around the reserve. Buzzards and Kestrels soar overhead all year round, while Snipe make the most of the watery conditions.  

Montiaghs Moss nature reserve is a former lowland raised bog. Back in the early 1800s, the site was used for peat extraction. This practice ended many years ago, but it left behind the network of historic peat pools which now support wildlife such as dragonflies, damselflies and water beetles.  

Spring: 

Dragonflies and damselflies kick off the spring show – look out for them perched by the pools or darting along the paths. The Large Red damselfly is the first to appear in April, followed by the blue bunch: Azure damselfly, Variable damselfly, Blue-tailed damselfly and Irish damselfly. For those hoping to spot the rare orange-patterned Marsh Fritillary butterfly, head to the reserve in May and keep a close eye among the wildflowers. May is also a magnificent month for dragonflies with the Hairy dragonfly and Four-spotted Chaser arriving on the scene. 

Summer: 

The reserve is busy with damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies well into late summer. Come from June onwards to spot the Emerald damselfly, as well as dragonflies including the Brown, the Common Hawker, and the Ruddy and Common Darters.  

Autumn: 

In autumn and winter, look out for Kestrels hovering overhead. The Black Darter is the last dragonfly species to appear but, along with the Common Darter, they can be spotted at the reserve until late October. 

Winter: 

Listen out for the honking Whooper Swans as they arrive in winter. Look out for Buzzards and Kestrels soaring overhead.

Conservation  

Montiaghs Moss is home to 12 breeding dragonfly and damselfly species within the pool network – this is 54% of the resident species in Ireland.  

Please keep to the trails and the boardwalk at all times. Take care by the historic peat pools and drains – they have steep sides and deep water. This nature reserve has a no dog policy. We want to protect the sensitive and rare wildlife that lives here. Invertebrates such as dragonflies, damselflies and water beetles use the pools to lay eggs, spawn larvae and to feed. It’s important not to disturb them.