Site Guide No.1
Marlfield Lake Grid Ref. S169222
This man-made lake is just 2km west of Clonmel. A road runs along the western shore giving excellent views of the waterbirds present throughout the year. It is a shallow lake which means that dabbling ducks are common and diving ducks are scarce.
Species
During the summer months, Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Dabchick breed on the lake. Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins hawk for insects over the water. The trees around the lake support species such as Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper.
Species
During the summer months, Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Dabchick breed on the lake. Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins hawk for insects over the water. The trees around the lake support species such as Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper.
Drake Gadwall
In winter the lake is home to hundreds of dabbling ducks. The lake regularly holds nationally important numbers of Shoveler. It is probably the best place in Ireland to see Gadwall. There are good numbers of Teal and Tufted Duck. There are usually one or two Cormorants and Grey Herons in the area. Species such as Water Rail, Wigeon, Pintail and Pochard and even Kingfisher are occasional. Black-headed Gulls are regular while Lesserblack-backed and Common Gulls are occasional. Scaup has been recorded once.
Directions
There is a one-way system in operation on the road by the lake, so it is best approached from the north. Coming from Clonmel, take the first left after the Clonmel Park Hotel on the Cahir Road. Go through the next crossroads, then take the next left. There is parking available on the road by the lake. At the southern end of the lake, the local tidy towns committee have erected a useful display board showing the wildfowl likely to be seen on the lake.
No special footwear is required and the site is suitable for wheelchair users.
There is a one-way system in operation on the road by the lake, so it is best approached from the north. Coming from Clonmel, take the first left after the Clonmel Park Hotel on the Cahir Road. Go through the next crossroads, then take the next left. There is parking available on the road by the lake. At the southern end of the lake, the local tidy towns committee have erected a useful display board showing the wildfowl likely to be seen on the lake.
No special footwear is required and the site is suitable for wheelchair users.