In 1881, Cork City Lough was declared a Public Wildlife Refuge and is one of Ireland’s oldest protected areas. Cork City Lough is primarily a carp fishery, however it also holds eel and small quantities of tench, perch and rudd. The Lough is also popular for coarse angling. Each year, the bulk of Irish carp are caught in this lake.

Anglers must note however that the Lough is also an important wildfowl area, and the water attracts many birds including large numbers of Swans. Therefore care is essential to make sure that hooks or line are not allowed to become misplaced around the shore areas.

The island in the centre of the Lough provides shelter for numerous species of wildlife, attracting many nature lovers. Dominated by a dense, low growing willow woodland, the island acts as a refuge, a roosting and breeding area for residential and migratory birds. Commonly recorded birds in the area include many different species of gulls, coot, mute swan, mallard, moorhen and greylag goose. During the winter, you may spot little egrets and shoveler, the latter which can reach numbers of national importance. Below the water line, carp populations thrive and leave little to no aquatic plants uneaten. Ash, birch, hawthorn, sycamore and black poplar line the walkway, providing an ideal habitat for bats and songbirds. Although the lough may seem small, it is overflowing with biodiversity.

The lough can be accessed from Lough Road and Hartland’s Avenue. There is an inner trail close to the edge of the lough and an outer path that follows the main footpaths. The loop is roughly 1km in length.