Lough
Hyne/Ine
Lough Hyne (or whichever way you like to spell it) is the perfect
place if you enjoy walking, hill climbing, or a gentle stroll
through wooded lanes along a lake shore. This is Ireland's only
marine nature reserve and it is an inland saline lake connected
to the sea by rapids. It's a treasure house of unusual species
such as sea urchins and oysters which are strictly protected.
This is a spot known far and wide for being peaceful and
part of its tranquil atmosphere comes from being protected
from the worst of the winds by steep hills on three sides.
If you're feeling like a challenge, climb the wooded hill
behind the lake to get an unsurpassed view of Roaringwater
Bay and Carbery's Hundred isles. A more relaxing hour could
be spent wandering along the western shore towards Barloge
Creek.
You'll notice a small island in the centre of the lake and
a crumbling ruin - this is where the much disliked Sir Fineen
O'Driscoll ended his days in 1629, alone and in poverty, having
sold his clansmen's lands to the English in return for a title.
A pot of gold is said to be buried there!
More information on the lake is displayed in the Skibbereen
Heritage Centre.
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