Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Lough Acorrymore Special Protection Area (SPA) is located in the rugged and scenic landscape of County Donegal, in northwestern Ireland. The SPA encompasses a pristine upland lake and its surrounding habitats, including blanket bog, wet heath, and acidic grasslands. These habitats provide critical refuge for numerous bird species, especially ground-nesting and migratory waterfowl. The SPA was designated under the EU Birds Directive to conserve avian species such as the Greenland White-fronted Goose, Merlin, and Hen Harrier, which use the area for breeding, feeding, and wintering. The wetland's oligotrophic waters support diverse aquatic plants and invertebrates, contributing to the area's ecological significance. Lough Acorrymore is a part of Ireland’s network of protected sites and is managed to preserve its sensitive habitats alongside traditional land uses such as low-intensity grazing. Due to its remoteness and rugged terrain, recreational access is limited but highly rewarding for skilled birdwatchers and nature photographers seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. The surrounding landscape offers walking routes through boglands and hillocks, where visitors can appreciate the interplay of water, peatland, and mountain habitats that define this unique part of Donegal. The SPA also supports peatland conservation efforts, important for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather and tread lightly to avoid disturbing nesting birds and the fragile bog environment.
