21/10/2026
With winter setting in, the welcome return of the barnacle geese to Ballintemple and Lissadell is once again a familiar sight. The Goosefield, or Seafield as it is known locally, supports approximately 2,500 birds each winter. At dawn and dusk, large V-shaped flocks can be seen flying to and from Inishmurray, creating a spectacular natural display.The Ballygilgan Nature Reserve was established to help protect the barnacle geese that visit the area annually, a tradition that has continued for centuries. These remarkable birds are an important part of the region’s natural heritage and attract birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
