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Description
RSPB Aghatirourke is a 700 hectare site that is part of the Cuilcagh Mountain World Geopark in County Fermanagh. In spring Eurasian Skylark, Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit meadow pipits display across the reserve, and the collapsed cave opposite the Leggacurragh is a great place to spot Common Cuckoo. Look out for Common Snipe along the nature trail and Red Grouse on the heather heath, as well as nesting Sand Martin in the peat banks, and White-throated Dipper hopping around the rocky stream.
In summer birds of prey, including Merlin, Eurasian Kestrel and Hen Harrier can be seen hunting overhead, while Common Raven and Peregrine Falcon nest nearby. You may be lucky enough to spot European Golden Plover that breed at the reserve, although numbers are very scarce.
Autumn and winter are much quieter seasons for birdlife, and conditions can be wet and slippery which makes for difficult walking. The way-marked Hiker’s Trail is unsurfaced and very steep in places with no seating. Access is not allowed off the trail due to the presence of unmarked swallow holes and underlying limestone caves.
Details
Access
Take the A4 Sligo Road west of Enniskillen then A32 south, ignore signs for Florencecourt and Marble Arch Caves, look for right turn signposted as 'Gortalughany viewpoint'. Follow this narrowing road to the car park. By bus: There's a bus route from Enniskillen bus station to Swanlinbar. Request to stop at tourist sign for Gortalughany (approximately three miles from reserve gate).
Be aware that the reserve is in an exposed mountain environment where the weather can change rapidly, so access to the summit should only be undertaken by experienced hill walkers. The indicated route on the map is 7 km one way. The first three kilometers are mostly flat before the trail begins a climb that takes you to the summit of Cuilcagh. It gets very steep closer to the top, but there are great panoramic views from there. But anyone who wants to take it easy can only do the first 3 or 4 kilometers and then turn around.
There are no facilities at the site, but free car parking is available at the Gortalughany viewing point, where breath taking views can be enjoyed of the beauty and wilderness of the reserve. Please note, dogs are not allowed in Cuilcagh Mountain Park.