Description
Ballyalla Lake (also known as Ballyallia Lough) is a small lake on the River Fergus, north of the town of Ennis. It covers an area of 308 hectares and is an important site for waterbirds. It has been recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and is protected by the Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service as a wildfowl sanctuary.
In winter it is very good for wildfowl especially ducks. For example (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρόπαπια, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι, Ψαλίδα (του Βορά), Γκισάρι, Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια and Καπακλής. And the lake hosts many species of waders on its wet meadowed shores. For example (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα, (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα, Κοκκινοσκέλης, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Λιμόζα, Λασποσκαλίδρα and (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι. The lake holds breeding Σκουφοβουτηχτάρι and (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι. (Κοινή) Φαλαρίδα and Αρκοπετείναρο are also plentiful. Winter birds include flocks of Αγριόκυκνος.
Details
Access
Ballyalla Lake is located 4 km north of the town of Ennis, just off the main Galway road. Plenty of parking spaces along the road. Click on a P in the map for directions.

