Harper’s Island Wetlands

Harper’s Island Wetlands is situated near Glounthaune in Cork Harbour. This special place is an important refuge for high numbers of a large variety of waterbird species, which visit Cork Harbour in the winter time.  The wetland habitats also support native plant species and provide food and shelter for insects, bats and other mammals.  

There are two bird hides on the island which provide stunning views over the wetlands, and we have recently opened a new looped nature trail.  The wetlands form part of the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area as well as part of the Great Island Channel Special Area of Conservation. They are being managed for nature conservation by Cork County Council with its partners BirdWatch Ireland and the Glounthaune Community Association (including Glounthaune Men’s Shed and Tidy Town’s Groups). Photos are courtesy of Jim Wilson.