Lough Hyne
Lough Hyne as viewed from the summit of Knockomagh Hill in West Cork
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.Lough Hyne
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.
Lough Hyne
Lough Hyne as viewed from the summit of Knockomagh Hill in West Cork
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.Lough Hyne is a semi-enclosed marine lake situated 3 miles west of Skibbereen in County Cork.
It is fed from the sea by a narrow tidal channel known as 'The Rapids' and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow inlet called Barloge Creek. It is just 0.8kms by 0.6 kms in size.
It is thought that Lough Hyne was a freshwater lake up to 4000 years ago, when a rise in sea levels joined it with the sea.
Lough Hyne Rapids
The 'Rapids' situated at the southeast entrance to the Lough leading into Barloge Creek. University College Cork's Renouf lab is seen next to the rapids.
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.Lough Hyne Rapids
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.
Lough Hyne Rapids
The 'Rapids' situated at the southeast entrance to the Lough leading into Barloge Creek. University College Cork's Renouf lab is seen next to the rapids.
Image courtesy of R McAllen, UCC Zoology Dept.Research
In 1981, Lough Hyne was designated Europe's first Marine Nature Reserve to protect the rich flora and fauna of the area. However, scientists have been studying the lough since 1886 when William Green recorded the habits of the Purple Sea-Urchin.
Laboratories were set up on Lough Hyne to help scientists in their research. This research has continued ever since and Lough Hyne is now one of the most studied marine sites of Europe.
Interpretive Centre
The Lough Hyne Interpretive Centre is located as part of the Skibbereen Heritage Centre. In it, you can hear about the rich history of the place.
For example, the ruins of St. Bridgit's Church are found on the island in the lough, where St. Bridgit kneeled so much when she was praying that she left a mark in the rock.
The centre has an aquarium which displays some of the species of fish found in the lough. They include goby, shanny, glenny, 3 spined stickleback, shrimp, prawn, clingfish and many more.