Guidance on Site

BWI Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the heart of Cork Harbour.

To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve, please observe the terms and conditions below for all visitors. Please help us ‘Keep it special, keep it safe!’

No dogs allowed

Even the best behaved dogs can frighten the wildlife

It is natural for dog owners to look for green places to walk their dogs and Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve appears to be the perfect place. Unfortunately bringing in a dog, even on a leash, is not allowed. This applies to most nature reserves around the world. Some of the reasons for these guidelines are:

  • Dogs can bark and make loud noises that will frighten the wildlife.
  • Parents with young children may be frightened of your dog.
  • Dogs often dig and forage. This disturbs and may destroy the habitats of the animals and birds that live here.
  • Dogs often chase and can cause injury to small animals such as lizards, shrews and frogs.
  • Dogs may leave behind their territorial markings which disrupts the movement of native animals such as foxes and hedgehogs.
No Kayaking Sign

No Water Based Activities

Because the nature reserve is so small we cannot allow any water based activities on the lagoon/lake as this would cause a lot of disturbance to the wildlife. Also the bottom of the lagoon/lake consists of exceptionally soft and sticky mud and deep trenches and would be very dangerous for anyone attempting to paddle or swim in it.

No litter

Please take litter home with you

Even the smallest piece of litter spoils other people’s enjoyment of this very special place. We believe everyone is responsible for their own waste so there are no litter bins on site. Please take everything you bring home with you as well as lots of great memories.

Only take memories and photos home

Help keep our reserve beautiful for everyone

Flowers, plants, berries etc. are important sources of food and nesting material for wildlife at BWI Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve. Visitors get great enjoyment from looking at the flowers and plants. Please do not pick flowers, plants, berries etc. Let’s leave them for everyone to enjoy.

No Hunting

A nature reserve for wildlife

BWI Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve is a nature reserve and hunting of any kind is prohibited.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

For their own safety and to protect the wildlife

Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. The reserve is viewed from a public road and adults need to be always aware of traffic. 

15 Stay on paths 2

Please stay on the roads

To avoid disturbance to the wildlife and damage to sensitive habitats please stay on the road. Always be aware of cars and other vehicles on the road. Do not climb over walls, fences or open gates that are closed.

Please take caution

Terrain may be uneven in places

The road and car park may be uneven, slippery and muddy. Please take care whilst visiting the reserve.