Dromore Wood Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre

Dromore Wood Nature Reserve sits a short distance north of Ennis in County Clare, off the road towards Galway, within the south-eastern reaches of the Burren. Covering roughly 400 hectares (about 1,000 acres), it was designated a statutory nature reserve in 1985 in recognition of the diversity of its habitats and wildlife. The landscape brings together the River Fergus, lakes and turloughs, callows and reed beds, limestone pavement, fen and species-rich woodland within a single site.

That variety supports a wide range of animals. Pine martens, red squirrels, badgers, otters and several species of bat are among the mammals found here, while the water and woodland draw birds throughout the year, from coots and herons to over-wintering wildfowl such as whooper swans. The reserve makes a rewarding spot for walkers and birdwatchers, with a network of way-marked trails of varying length that suit a range of abilities.

Dromore is also rich in history. The remains of a tower house associated with the O’Brien family stand by the edge of the lake, and the reserve contains further heritage features including ring forts, the site of an old church and a lime kiln. An information centre operates during the summer months, and admission is free.