Wild Walks: Tramore Valley Park
Overview
Located just 3 kilometres from the city centre, Tramore Valley park is Cork cities largest park at 150 acres and boasts an impressive array of walks, such as the 2.5 km Robert Hernan walk and sports ground, including the only international standard BMX Track in cork.
Additionally, at the centre of the park is a unique dome feature that allows for stunning views of many of the iconic landmarks of Cork city. There are 3 entrance points to the park, including the Douglas to Tramore walk and cycle path. The walkway from South Douglas Road acts as a nature corridor, connecting wild habitats across cork city and suburbs.
The park was developed on a former landfill site and has transformed this area into a vibrant, ecologically diverse wild site. The park has a mixture of woodland, riverine, scrubland, meadow, and reedbed which can support a variety of plant and animal species. The park is a key site for birds, including Reed bunting, Sedge Warbler, Meadow pipit, Moorhen and Mute swan. Woodland and meadows provide suitable habitat for pollinators and other invertebrates, such as the Gatekeeper Butterfly and Small white, as well as songbirds and small to medium sized mammals.
Trail entrance
Vehicular access from the N27 South Link Road (opposite the Black Ash Park and Ride), and pedestrian access via a walkway in Willow Park, Douglas.
Trail length
2.5km
Notable Wildlife
Reed bunting
Scientific name: Emberiza schoeniclus
Irish name: Gealóg ghiolcaí
Reed bunting is a small, sparrow sized passerine bird with a chunky bill and long tail. Despite their name, reed buntings are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, farmland and gardens and are widespread across Ireland.
Gatekeeper butterfly
Scientific name: Pyronia tithonus
Irish name: Féileacán geatóir
Uncommon butterfly only seen in the southern coastal regions of Ireland. Mostly orange with dark brown borders and one eyespot on each wing. Seen in woodlands and hedgerows. Males are territorial and will frequently patrol a single shrub or small area.
Sedge warbler
Scientific name: Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Irish name: Ceolaire cibe
Widespread summer visitor to wetlands throughout Ireland. Breeds on the edge of wetlands and wet grasslands. Small warblers with brown colour all over, pale underparts and a black crown with beige stripes along the head and nape.
Meadow pipit
Scientific name: Anthus pratensis
Irish name: Riabhóg Mhóna
One of Ireland’s most common birds, often seen in uplands, scrubland, and rough pastures. Small and brown with a streaked breast and a high-pitched call.
Small white butterfly
Scientific name: Pieris rapae
Irish name: Bánóg bheag
Very common butterfly in meadows, hedgerows, and gardens. Seen from May to September across Ireland. The Small White and Large White are often known collectively as “Cabbage Whites” as they both commonly feed on brassica species, although they are two separate species.
Caretaker of the Cork Nature Network website
