Location: County Mayo Map
Area: 11,779 ha
Ballycroy National Park is a nature reserve in County Mayo in
Ireland. Ballycroy National Park covers an area of 11,779 ha.
The lands on which the park was created were previously used for
peat mining and agriculture, as well as for recreation,
including hunting and fishing. In the park there are remains of
buildings of various ages, mainly used as hunting lodges. Before
the creation of the park, land was purchased by the state.
The Bangor Trail, which has existed since the end of the 16th
century, runs through the park. This route connects Newport with
Bangor Erris. This path, before the start of road construction,
was the main route linking Bangor Erris to the port. Goods
transported in the port were transported through it, along the
same route the Irish who emigrated to America moved in the
opposite direction.
Ballycroy National Park contains one of Ireland’s fewer peatland
ecosystems. In addition, there are other natural systems in the
park: meadows, moorlands, lakes and river floodplains.
Of the mammals, a fox, a badger, an otter, a hare, a small shrew
and several species of bats are found. There is a red deer on
the borders of the park, which was released here and has never
been seen before in this area. In groups of conifers there is a
pine marten. Fish are found in the rivers (Atlantic salmon,
trout, eel). There are many species of birds, including raven,
whooper swan, various species of hawks and falcons.
Flora in the park is characteristic of the corresponding natural
zones. So, in the swamps, mosses and Schoenus nigricans
predominate. Several rare plant species are found, including
Saxifraga hirculus, which is under protection.
The European Habitats Directive, which was implemented into Irish law in 1997, lists certain habitats and species that Ireland is intended to conserve through shelters. These areas include extensive wetlands such as that of Ballycroy. Ballycroy is one of the largest surviving wetlands in Western Europe.
The park is characterized by extensive swamps, escarpments and
riverine habitats. The marshes have one of the largest expanses
of peat bog preserved in Europe. Thus, according to the European
Union, the protection is of "international importance" because
the area offers various rare creatures and especially plants, a
so-called ecological niche. The River Owenduff is also preserved
as it is the only river in western Europe that provides drainage
for a relatively intact and extensive marsh system. Lots of
salmon and brown trout live in it.
A visitor center
funded by the Irish Government is located in Ballycroy. The 700
m² building is intended to increase public recognition of the
park and its landscape.
The national park offers a habitat for many bird species, e.g.
B. the whooper swan, dunlin, sandpiper, woodcock and dipper.
Birds of prey are represented by peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks
and goshawks, and in winter you can also see hen harriers. Red
grouse and golden plovers also breed here. The park is also
important for Greenland's white-fronted geese and golden plover,
which are winter visitors in large numbers.
Notable
mammal species include otters, arctic hares and several species
of bats including the gnat bat. Red fox, badger and pine marten
are more common.
The territory of the park, like the entire north of Mayo County, was formed in the Precambrian period. The west is composed of shales and gneisses, the east - mainly of quartzite. The relief was finally formed during the last glaciation, which gave the mountains a smooth outline and contributed to the emergence of many small lakes in the valleys.
In the village of Ballykroy open information center of the park. The park also has a hiking trail with information about plants.