It has all the attributes necessary for the perfect visit - woods, lakes and a castle. Originally part of a private estate belonging to the Crowe Family, Dromore Wood was acquired by the state in the 1940’s and worked as a commercial forest. During the 1980’s, The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) took over the management of Dromore with an emphasis on the regeneration of native species. In 1985, it became a statutory Nature Reserve. Covering an area of approximately one thousand acres Dromore Wood has all the attributes necessary for the perfect Nature Reserve. These include rivers, lakes, turloughs and callows (meadows that flood during winter), limestone pavement, fen peat, reed and rush beds and vast areas of species-rich woodland. The area comprises perfect habitat for a huge variety of flora and fauna species. As well as the natural, the Reserve also has an historical and archaeological aspect. The 17th century O’Brien castle stands by the lake edge. There are also the sites of Cahermacrea Castle and Kilakee Church, two ring forts, a limekiln, a children’s burial ground and a chapel. Dromore Wood has long had a reputation as a stronghold of the rare and elusive Pine Marten. You may not see a Pine Marten, they are mainly nocturnal, but along the various trails and paths in the Reserve, their scats (droppings) are regularly seen. A study of the Dromore martens during the 1970’s by Warner and O’Sullivan is still regarded as a major reference for the species. Despite a decrease in Red Squirrel numbers countrywide, there remains a healthy population in Dromore Wood and they are regularly observed as they feed on the ripening hazel crop. There are also a number of active Badger sets within the Reserve, and Stoat, Fox and Hares are commonly seen as are the smaller mammals such as Shrews and Woodmice. At least eight of the nine species of Irish bats are known to inhabit the area of Dromore and there are a number of bat roosts both within and on the perimeter of the wood. Throughout the year, berries, fruits and nuts which grow freely in Dromore Wood provide an essential food source for Badgers, Squirrels and other mammals as well as numerous species of birds. The River Fergus runs alongside the Reserve and feeds the lakes situated within the boundaries. These lakes are perfect habitat for Otters, Coots, grebe species, Moorhen, Water Rail and Heron. During the winter, the lakes flood and vast flocks of Teal and Wigeon along with Goldeneye and Tufted Duck, Pochard and Shoveler amongst others, join the resident population to feed on the flooded meadows. Whooper Swans are frequent winter visitors as was a White-tailed Eagle for a few days of winter 2011/12. Considered a major site for dragonflies and damselflies, Dromore Wood also boasts a large proportion of the various Irish butterfly species. Both purple and brown hairstreaks have been recorded in Dromore recently along with many spring and summer varieties. Brimstones abound from as early as February and in July and August sunny open areas are lit up by the beautiful, large, ginger-coloured Silver-washed Fritillary.
