OverviewThis trail follows the River Lee from Christ Ring Bridge, on the banks of the lee walkway down to Fitzgerald Park. Otters can be spotted along this route at dawn and dusk. Cork Nature Network have a series of signs describing the diet, habitat, and life of otters along the route. Find out more about the Otter project.

Trail entrance

There are several points where you can join this trail including the entrance to UCC’s North Campus, on Mardyke walk and in Fitzgerald’s Park.

Trail length

2.6 km

Notable Wildlife

Otter

Scientific name: Lutra lutra

Irish name: Dobharchú / Madra uisce

One of Ireland’s most charismatic native mammals. Populations have declined across Europe, but Ireland is an important stronghold for this species. Widely distributed in freshwater systems, such as streams, rivers, and lakes. Feeds mainly on fish, crayfish, and shellfish. 

Cormorant

Scientific name: Phalacrocorax carbo

Irish name: Broigheall

Large dark bird with long neck and hooked beak. Found in aquatic habitats and dives to catch fish. Can remain underwater for up to 30 seconds and reach depths of 6 metres. They have specially adapted ears to allow them to hear underwater.

Stock Dove

Irish Name: Colm gorm

Scientific name: Columba oenas

The medium-sized pigeon nests in holes in trees and buildings. It is a common along woodland edges and farmland, but is not typically associated with urban areas, unlike the woodpigeon.

Stoat

Scientific name: Mustela erminea hibernica

Irish name: Easóg

The stoat is often mistakenly called a weasel but is in fact a stoat and separate Irish sub-species. They are smaller than a weasel, with a red/brown body, white underside, and black-tipped tail. Their diet consists of small mammals, fish, and invertebrates, but they themselves are prey for foxes and pine martens.