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Description
Inch Lough is a brackish lagoon cut out from Lough Swilly by embankments, and penned between Inch Island and extensive flat agricultural polders (slobs) on the mainland of County Donegal by a third long embankment. Each winter the site hosts thousands of migratory birds including geese, swans, ducks and other waders. During the winter months it is not unusual to see fields with several thousand Greylag Goose or Whooper Swan grazing and witness the return of the birds to the lake at dusk is impressive. During the summer months Inch Wildfowl Reserve is alive with activity as a huge variety of birds make this their home rearing their young around the lake.
Details
Access
Inch Wildfowl Reserve is located just 12 km from Derry/Londonderry and 26 km from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The pathway infrastructure at Inch Wildfowl Reserve caters for outdoor recreational activity including walking, running and cycling. The site includes a popular 8 km looped path with seating, viewpoints and a number of bird hides open to the public. This scenic pathway follows around the lake edge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and wetlands. Admission to the Wildfowl Reserve is free of charge. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking lot.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , Sea , GrasslandConditions
Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
In November 2025, all three carparks had portable toilets; there were bird feeders at Inch Walkway carpark and a small cafe near to the Inch Island carpark.