Fortwilliam Turlough

Fortwilliam Turlough lies to the east of Lough Ree, one of only two Turloughs to the east of the River Shannon. It is of high ecological value as it is a rare example of of an oligotrophic habitat in the age of modern agriculture and is therefore designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The area around Fortwilliam Turlough is quite diverse, owing to the semi-permanent nature of its body of water, marl precipitation and occasional outcrops of limestone. The underlying limestone supports calcareous-loving species such as Black Bog-rush, eyebright, tormentil and sneezewort. The drier areas surrounding the turlough are dominated by a community of sedges, Creeping Cinquefoil and Adder’s-tongue. Common Club-rush, mare’s-tail and Greater Spearwort are typical of the wetter areas.

Both snipe and Mallard Duck species find shelter at Fortwilliam Turlough for nesting.