Ecological Protected Sites
The three main types of designation are:
- Natural Heritage Area (NHA)
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- Special Protection Area (SPA)
Natural Heritage Area
The basic designation for wildlife is the Natural Heritage Area (NHA). This is an area considered important for the habitats present and biodiversity or which holds species of plants and animals whose habitat needs protection.
More information on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website...
Special Areas of Conservation
These are prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as Irish level.More information on the National heritage Parks and Wildlife Service website...
Special Protection Areas
Because birds migrate long distances, it is not sufficient to protect them over just part of their range, so the EU Birds Directive provides for a network of sites in all Member States to protect birds at their breeding, feeding, roosting and wintering areas. It identifies species which are rare, in danger of extinction or vulnerable to changes in habitat and which need protection.More information on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website...
Loophead specific areas
Illaunonearaun SPA
This small inaccessible island is located approximately 300 m off the west Clare coast and is about 7 km south-west of Kilkee. It is a large flat-topped sea stack surrounded by high cliffs and a rocky shore. Several rocky reefs occur off the north-west shore. The sea surrounding the island, to a distance of 200 m, where seabirds forage, bathe and socialise, is included in the site. The grassland is dominated by Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), with a variety of typical maritime plants such as Thrift (Armeria maritima), Sea Campion (Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima) and Sea Mayweed (Matricaria maritima).
download site synopsis (site code: 004114)
Loop Head SPA
Loop Head is situated at the most westerly point in Co. Clare, approx. 20 km south west of Kilkee. The site includes the shoreline and cliffs, some adjoining maritime grassland and heath, and the adjacent marine area to a distance of 500 m from the shore. The vertical cliffs are quite impressive, rising to approximately 60 m, and extend for approximately 5 km along the coast. They are composed of carboniferous grits and flags and are highly exposed to the open Atlantic. A number of islets and stacks occur, notably Gull Island and Dermot & Grania’s Rock. An automated lighthouse sits on the headland.
download site synopsis (site code: 004119)
Lower River Shannon SAC
This very large site stretches along the Shannon valley from Killaloe to Loop Head/ Kerry Head, a distance of some 120 km. The site thus encompasses the Shannon, Feale, Mulkear and Fergus Estuaries, the freshwater lower reaches of the River Shannon (between Killaloe and Limerick), the freshwater stretches of much of the Feale and Mulkear catchments and the marine area between Loop Head and Kerry Head.
download site synopsis (site code: 002165)
Tullaher Lough and Bog SAC
Tullagher Lough and Bog is located 4 km south-east of Doonbeg in the townlands of Carrowmore South, Carrowblough Beg and Tullaher in County Clare. This is a diverse site comprising of raised bog (including areas of high bog and cutover), wet grassland, improved grassland, scrub woodland, alkaline fen and lake. It is bounded to the east by the Doonbeg to Moyasta road, to the west by a local road, to the north by bog tracks and to the south by a conifer plantation.
download site synopsis (site code: 002343)
Kilkee Reefs SAC
The Kilkee Reefs are situated north of the River Shannon estuary on the Co. Clare coast. The site stretches for approximately 12 km from Ballard Bay to Castle Point. The reefs are exposed to the full force of Atlantic swells from the west. A small shallow bay, Moore Bay, offers some shelter from wave action and a beach is present. The bedrock is Carboniferous Millstone Grit and Flagstone. A few small isalnds are included, the largest being Bishop’s Island.
download site synopsis (site code: 002264)