Killyfole Lough

Killyfole is a nature reserve in Fermanagh where the townlands of Aghadrumsee, Killylackey, Killyfole and Loughgare meet.  The freshwater lake, covering 22.6 hectares, is surrounded by Meadows and pathways.

History

Killyfole Corn Mill once stood on the site, however, it ceased working in the 1930s and it was demolished in 1965 when the District Council developed the lough into a reservoir.  When the lough was drained for reservoir works, a hand crafted boat was found and it is believed that this was used to access the Crannóg.

The site was sold to the local Council in the 1990s to develop a local amenity and wildlife sanctuary.

Biodiversity

Killyfole is a wetland area which is an area of land that is saturated with water.  Wetland habitats serve essential functions in an ecosystem acting as water filters, providing food and erosion control and providing a habitat for wildlife.  They also absorb excess nutrients, sediments and other pollutants before they enter the waterway.

The native meadow at Killyfole provides an essential habitat and food for a variety of species in the local area.  It is also part of the Council’s Don’t Mow Let It Grow initiative which aims to conserve pollinators and meadow species throughout Northern Ireland.

Killyfole is a habitat for a  number of species including the Common Green Lacewing, Small Copper Butterfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Moorhen, Perch, Otters and Wading Birds.

Secret Garden

Killyfole is home to a Secret Garden in the vicinity of Aghadrumsee Primary School.  This is an outdoor classroom with semi-mature woodland, a native meadow and a wildlife pond.

Reviving Killyfole Lough Project

In 2022-2023, the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council completed the Reviving Killyfole Lough Project through funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Challenge Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to revive Green Spaces as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding and the Friends of Killyfole community group.

The project included the replacement of four bridges and four boardwalks and improvements in the area to provide residents and visitors with a safe space and place to explore and enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.

Public engagement

The Council is currently undertaking an environmental awareness survey to better understand the knowledge and interests of those who are using Killyfole Lough.  Closing date: 05 April 2023.