Glenamaddy Turlough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glenamaddy Turlough |
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![]() August 2007. In the very wet summer of 2007 the lake is at its full winter level. Normally it is dried out in August.
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Location | County Galway |
Coordinates | 53°35′50″N 8°32′20″W / 53.59722°N 8.53889°W |
Type | Turlough |
Basin countries | Ireland |
The Glenamaddy Turlough is a special kind of lake found in County Galway, Ireland. It is located just east of the town of Glenamaddy. What makes it special is that it's a seasonal lake, meaning it usually dries up completely during the summer months.
You can find Glenamaddy Turlough right next to the R362 regional road. There's even a car park and a viewing area by the lake. This makes it easy for visitors to stop and enjoy the view. People say the town of Glenamaddy got its name because the lake looks like a dog when it's full in winter!
Amazing Wildlife at Glenamaddy Turlough
Every winter, thousands of waterfowl (birds that live near water) come to Glenamaddy Turlough. They find lots of food and a safe place to stay here. It's a very important spot for them.
Bird Visitors in Winter
One of the most common birds you'll see is the Eurasian golden plover. These birds fly together in huge groups, creating amazing patterns in the sky. It's quite a sight!
Another special visitor is the Greenland white-fronted goose. Only about 70 to 100 of these geese come each winter. They travel all the way from Greenland to spend the colder months in Ireland. More than half of all these geese in the world actually winter in Ireland!
Over 200 whooper swans also choose Glenamaddy for their winter home. These swans are different from the common swans you might see in Ireland all year round. The turlough is also a winter home for many other birds. These include the wigeon, curlew, and lapwing.