Nature Highlight Ballyhouras

Ballyhouras

Activities

Outdoor

Wonderful Wildlife in the Ballyhouras

Take a trip to the Ballyhoura Mountain region and experience the wild side of Ireland.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Meet the adorable donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll – they love getting attention from new visitors! This shelter is an Irish registered charity working to improve conditions for donkeys and mules. Located in the lush Cork countryside, it is the perfect spot for a picnic and a scenic walk. The Donkey Sanctuary is open 7 days a week with free admission and free parking, well worth a trip.

Doneraile Wildlife Park

The Doneraile Wildlife Park is a beautifully landscaped 18th century estate that comprises of approximately 166 hectares. Enjoy a delightful day strolling around the grounds and seeing the deer herds. A café and playground can also be found at the park, making for a perfect family day out. In recent years the Doneraile Wildlife Park was named Ireland’s fourth-most-popular ‘free to enter’ attraction of 2016 by Fáilte Ireland.

Lough Gur

Lough Gur natural bog and woodland area is home to many special of mammals. It is likely due to the habitat available that such species include brown rat, grey squirrel, rabbit, fox, hare, mink, stoat, pygmy shrew, bank vole, house mouse and field mouse make their homes and feeding grounds in and around Lough Gur. Lough Gur strive to protect every aspect of the natural habitat for resident creatures. This requires careful planning of walkways, planting and removal of vegetation and management of public areas to minimise impact on the natural wildlife.