The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (also known as “The Bird Sanctuary”) is a National Nature Reserve and designated Ramsar Site located in the North Slob area of Ardcavan, approximately 6.5 kilometres from Wexford Town.
The reserve is open to the public year-round with free admission.
The North Slob area was created through land reclamation in the mid-1800s. Before this, the area consisted of several islands, the most notable being Begerin Island. It was the site of one of Ireland’s earliest Christian settlements, where St Ibar established a monastery.
A plan for reclaiming the land at the north and south of Wexford Harbour was formulated in 1840, and construction began in 1847 with the building of a sea wall. Once the wall was complete, pumps, drains, and canals drained the surrounding land, and workers prepared it for cultivation. Today, a ring of water called the Slob Channel surrounds the North Slob area.
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve was established on this reclaimed land. Its visitor centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on Christmas Day. It provides information about the wildlife that inhabits the area and features models of various bird species that visit the region. The grounds and the Robert Jobson hide are also wheelchair accessible.
Outside the centre, a pond was previously home to ducks that visitors could feed, but the centre discontinued this practice in 2015 after the food began attracting unwanted pests. Visitors should not feed the ducks bread, as it can cause health issues.
The reserve also features a watch tower that offers views of the North Slob, Wexford Harbour, and Raven Wood in Curracloe. This is a popular spot for photographers and birdwatchers.
The reserve hosts a variety of bird species throughout the year. Winter visitors include Greenland White-fronted Geese and Whooper Swans. Other species at the reserve include Mute Swans, Mallard Ducks, Lapwings, Little Egrets, and Cuckoos, which arrive in summer. Mammals such as the Irish Hare, Badgers, Irish Stoats, and Otters also inhabit the area.
Map
To reach the centre, take the turn-off on the road between Castlebridge and Wexford Town, marked by a sign that says “Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.” The road passes through the Ardcavan area, past the entrance to Ardcavan Beach. The road is narrow and drivers should drive slowly.