About the reserve

This small, cut-over bog contains a mixture of trees such as birch, willow and gorse scrub, as well as open boggy areas.

Nestled in an otherwise intensively managed landscape, the undisturbed position of Inishargy attracts a range of birds including linnet, chiff-chaff and willow warbler. Buzzards can also be seen or heard circling overhead, and sparrowhawks and kestrel regularly hunt here.

Butterflies spotted on the wing in spring and summer include speckled wood, ringlet and small copper. Day-flying moths include common heath, cinnabar and silver hook.

One of the most impressive and interesting plants found at Inishargy is the royal fern, in decline elsewhere because of wetland drainage. The colony here is the largest in the east of Northern Ireland.

Most of our larger mammals seek refuge at Inishargy including fox, Irish stoat, badger and Irish hare. Otters have been reported nearby and likely use the reserve to move between habitats.