Project Description

The Kilbaha Nature Trail would be part of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way and build on and follow the existing West Clare Trails in Kilbaha, the St. Cuan’s Way and the Between Two Waters Trail, and add information on natural history, wildlife and geology to these two trails. The current trails run on minor roads and farm tracks and connect Kilbaha Bay with Ross.

Information panels or a less intrusive alternative are envisaged and would be erected in key locations along the trails. Panel content would be sourced locally and through engagement with the community and Kilbaha National School.

Possible locations for information panels:

1.Kilbaha Bay & Lagoon

• Waders and other birds

• Wildflowers

2.Coast Road

• Birds

• Geology

3.Cloghaun Lough & Sod Hedges

• Birds & Lagoon habitat

• Flora and fauna of the Sod Hedges

4.The Bog Road

• Farming heritage

5.Ross Bay

• Seals, birds and intertidal flora and fauna

6.Bridges of Ross

• Geology

• Birds

• Intertidal flora and fauna

• Basking Sharks

• Wildflowers

Project Justification & Objectives

The Kilbaha Nature Trail could be built around already existing attractions and points of interest and would become an important building block of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way. The trail would encourage more visitors to explore the area in more detail and stay longer which would benefit local businesses. The trail would also support the development of the Wild Loop Head nature tourism brand which aims to create new business opportunities on the peninsula.

The sourcing of content from the community and Kilbaha National School would create more awareness for local nature, wildlife and heritage and strengthen the bond between the community and the school.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Tourism

• Kilballyowen Development Company

• Kilbaha National School

• Keating’s Pub

• Kilbaha & Ross community

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!