Ballykilbeg

Ballykilbeg is a relatively large wetland site with a variety of habitats including fen and wet grassland. The area is particularly notable for the large colony of marsh fritillary butterfly (168 larval webs were recorded in 1999). First recorded in 1996, there have been records of adults and larvae each year since.

Although the site has been affected by drainage, the fen communities present are still diverse and interesting (notable species include: Lesser Tussock-sedge and Long-stalked Yellow Sedge along with a number of moss species). In addition, this site contains a good deal of scrub and woodland which, although not extensive in size, provides good wildlife habitat for birds and invertebrates. As well as a large variety of woody species, the physical structure is very diverse, varying from low gorse and bramble, through intermediate size shrubs and trees of Willow, Rowan and Holly, to large trees of Ash, Beech,Wych Elm and Scots Pine. Additional interest is provided at LoughFalcon, in the extreme north of the site, where there are the remains of an ancient monastery.

There is no public access to this site.