Visitors will discover how, over hundreds of millions of years, Kilclooney was moulded by catastrophic and gradual events to form the attractive landscape we see today. They will learn about impressive remains that testify to the engineering and artistic ability of the earliest inhabitants of Donegal, and will find out about rare and rich combinations of flora and fauna present in sanddunes, machaire, saltmarshes and bogs situated within a few kilometers of the Dolmen Centre.

Exhibits in the Field Studies Room are complemented by a video presentation and map/guides intended to assist visitors who want to explore key locations within easy reach of the Dolmen Centre.



SACs, SPAs and NHAs

Sensitive wildlife sites around Kilclooney are designated SAC (Special Area of Conservation under the Birds Directive) and SPA (Special Protection Area under the Habitats Directive) with obligations set out in the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. In addition to these areas protected for wildlife, it is hoped that key geological and archaeological sites in this locality can be designated NHAs (Natural Heritage Areas) in view of their scientific and cultural importance. Only one such site, the Kilkenny Explosion Breccia in Gortnasillagh, is currently designated an NHA of National Importance.