Corrin Nature Reserve: A Safe Haven for Wildlife in Fermoy

Corrin Nature Reserve is a beautiful six-acre amenity located on the outskirts of Fermoy. It was first opened to the public in September 2019 and proved popular with walkers during the lockdowns. Since then, the reserve has become one of Cork's favourite hidden gems and is a must-see whether you're a local or a visitor. 

Set within the idyllic surroundings of Corrin Woods and just stone's throw from Corrin Hill, the reserve is ideally located for when you're paying a visit to the forest or heading off on a hike. Once you've parked up at Corrin Woods Car Park, a winding, scenic path through the adjacent woods facilitates access to the reserve. From there, a looped gravel path will guide you past various attractions throughout the grounds. 

The reserve houses a natural meadow, wetlands, butterfly garden, wildflower meadows, wild bird cover crops, 1,000m of walkways, tables, seating, pond, pools and observation decks, as well as a natural stream, a protected island, and a partridge rearing enclosure. 

Wonderful natural colours of the Corrin Nature Reserve

Everything from barn owls to extremely rare butterflies can be found at the reserve, although wild ducks, grey partridges, frogs, bees, and friendly robins are the main residents. An informative map and poster can be found in the shelter. This provides a definitive visual guide on who you can expect to bump into during your visit. 

The majestic mallard is just one kind of duck you can find milling about in the pond.

A feed dispenser located next to the pond gives you a chance to hand-feed the very friendly ducks. It takes 50 cent coins, so bring a pocket full of pennies! Meanwhile, a stone wishing well near the entrance/exit of the reserve is a lovely spot to pause and reflect before heading home. 

The real charm of this place lies in how peaceful and ruggedly beautiful it is, especially if you're fortunate enough to be able to visit on a weekday. You won't find any fancy landscaping here; no shrubs shaped like statues or carefully trimmed flower beds. The reserve is not a park or a zoo and it doesn't try to be. Instead, you get the sense that the welfare and protection of Fermoy's biodiversity is the real priority here, which is nothing short of inspiring to see.

Christmas Cards

If you would like to support Corrin Nature Reserve this winter, you can purchase a selection of Christmas cards from the Rathcormac Game and Wildlife Club website. As the reserve is volunteer-run, all proceeds from the cards will go towards the maintenance of the grounds and wildlife care. Go here to shop online.

And if you can't make it up to the reserve this winter, check out their Instagram page, @corrin_nature_reserve, which features loads of stunning images of their adorable (and highly photogenic!) wildlife population.

Important to note: Dogs are strictly not permitted on the reserve. This is in the interest of protecting the animals that live there and ensuring they don't get scared off. There are also no bins provided. In line with Leave No Trace, any rubbish that came with you must be taken home.