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Description
Harper’s Island is a truly hidden gem in the outskirts of Cork city. The low-lying northern section of the island is influenced by the surrounding tidal estuary through an old sluice point and hence the immediate vegetation is of brackish grasslands developing into successional saltmarsh. Although Harper’s Island is only a small component, in terms of land-mass, within the Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex, the island is an extremely important safe feeding and roosting refuge for many species of wintering waterbirds. Nearly half of the Cork Harbour Icelandic Crnorepa Muljača population roost on the island on spring high tides. At times, during the spring months, peak Crnorepa Muljača counts can exceed 2,000 birds representing over 4% of the global population. The Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex also supports populations of national importance of Utva, Kržulja, Mali Gnjurac, Troprsti Zlatar, Žalar Cirikavac, Crvenonoga Prutka and Krivokljuna Prutka with Harper’s Island supporting significant components of these populations.
Details
Access
Harper’s Island Wetlands is conveniently located only 10 minutes from Cork City by train. The wetland is an eight minute walk from Glounthaune Railway Station. Bus Eireann services 240, 241, 260, 260 stop outside Glounthaune Railway Station. If you are driving to Harper’s Island Wetlands, the site is situated just off the N25 – If coming from Cork City exit at Junction 2 Little Island, then drive east on the L3004 for about 2,5km, the entrance is on the right. If coming from the Midleton side exit at Junction 3 Tullagreen, then drive west on the L3004 for about 2.6km. The entrance is on the left. There is free parking for a limited number of cars at the entrance to the wetlands. Harper’s Island Wetlands has one entrance, two bird hides and a 2 km nature trail and free public access during its opening hours.
Harper’s Island Wetlands currently opens seven days a week between 09.00am to 6.00pm. The entrance gate will open and close at different times of the year with longer opening times during the summer and shorter ones during the winter. Gates will be locked every evening.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Mud flats , Grassland , SeaConditions
Wet , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Harper’s Island Wetlands is owned and managed by Cork County Council in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland, Glounthaune Community (Glounthaune Community Association/Tidy Towns/Men’s Shed), and NPWS. Contact: info@harpersislandwetlands.ie