Bishop's Island

BirdWatch Ireland

Bishop’s Island is part of BirdWatch Ireland’s Shannon Callows Reserve and lies within the Middle Shannon Callows Special Protection Area. This lowland wet grassland, known as ‘callows’, experiences seasonal flooding in winter and spring, creating a unique habitat. The reserve is managed for hay production, and its rich meadows support a variety of flowering plants, making it a significant area for wildlife. During the summer months, visitors can look for Whinchat, which return from central Africa, as well as Sedge Warblers and Grasshopper Warblers. Breeding species like Lapwing, Redshank, and Curlew can also be spotted. In winter, the flooded callows attract large numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover, and Lapwing. Access is easiest from Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, Shannon Harbour, and Banagher, but please stay on designated tracks to protect the sensitive environment.

Managed by

BirdWatch Ireland

Location

7X66+RP Coolmeen, County Galway, Ireland