Site: Killala Bay/Moy Estuary

Designation date: 11-06-1996

Coordinates: 54°15'N 009°10'W

Elevation: 0 m

Area: 1,061 ha

Location: The site is situated between the towns of Inishcrone (County Sligo) and Killala (County Mayo) on the north coast of Ireland. The estuary itself forms the county boundary along its northern part.

Criteria: no information available

Importance: This site has a remarkable range of good quality coastal habitats. The dune complex at Bartragh Island is relatively undisturbed and is considered one of the best in the country, in terms of its naturalness and intact state. Brent geese Branta bernicla overwinter in the bay in internationally important numbers. The average number of these birds counted in two seasons between 1984/85 and 1986/87 was 270.

Wetland Types: H ,G ,E (dominant types shown in bold)

Much of the inner part of the bay is intertidal. Extensive sandflats and mudflats are exposed in the estuary and bay at low tide. The dune systems at Bartragh Island, Inishcrone and Ross, to the northwest, are well developed. Strips of saltmarsh occur in the sheltered coastal areas behind the flats.

Biological/Ecological notes: The sand and mudflats are unvegetated for the most part, but mats of eelgrass (Zostera spp.), beaked tasselweed (Ruppia maritima) and green algae (Enteromorpha spp.) occur which provide important feeding sites for birds. The familiar species Ammophila arenaria is abundant here and serves to bind the loose sand and stabilise the dunes. Other noteworthy plant species are Groenlandia densa (recorded in only three sites in Ireland since 1970), Draba incana, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Anthyllis vulneraria, Linum catharticum and Campanula rotundifolia. Plant species commonly observed in the salt marshes include Aster tripolium and Armeria maritima. Occasionally, Limonium humile, Cakile maritima and Juncus maritimus are also present. Situated southeast of Killala town, is Lough Meelick, which is an additional, non-coastal habitat in the site. It is significant for the presence of the thin-lipped mullet, a species that is only occasionally found in the region. Six species of waterfowl have been recorded on the site in regionally/locally important numbers, including Anas penelope.

Hydrological/Physical notes: The Moy River flows to the sea via a long, narrow estuarine channel. After approximately 8 km, the estuary widens to form a north-facing triangular bay. A long sandy island (Bartragh Island) separates the southwestern side of the bay from the open water. The northern part shelves to approximately 10 m. The dunes at Inishcrone and Ross are considered to be of regional importance. Elsewhere along the coastline are sandy beaches, shingle beaches and some bedrock shores, which are occasionally backed by clay sea-cliffs.

Human Uses: The site is very scenic and is a significant regional recreation area for its beaches and for fishing. Within the site boundary, the main land use practices are connected with recreation. The Moy Estuary is a renowned area for salmon fishing. At Ross, the sandy grasslands are fenced and improved for pasture.

Conservation Measures: The site is an EU Special Protection Area for wild birds.

Adverse Factors: The main threats to this site are uncontrolled dumping or accidental spillage into the bay from Ballina town (sewage) and from the chemical plant located at Killala. The decline in the abundance of pondweed (Groenlandia densa) has been attributed to drainage and pollution of its habitats. A golf course impinges on the dunes in the Moy Estuary, with some sand hills flattened and their vegetation altered. Expansion and/or modification of the course pose a significant threat to the dune complex. At Ross, the sandy grasslands are fenced and modified for pasture, with a resulting reduction in naturalness and habitat quality. Stretches of the shoreline are accessible to grazers and tractors, which cause some damage to saltmarsh habitats.

Site Management: No information provided.

External Link:

Most recent Ramsar Information Sheet/datasheet: 1995.