Nestling within a fold of hills 5km away from Baltimore, Lough Hyne (Ine) is a place of peaceful serenity, steeped in local folklore and home to a unique eco system which sustains a huge variety of marine plants & animals. Connected to the sea via a narrow tidal channel, known as the rapids. Anybody interested in marine biology must visit Lough Hyne, Ireland’s only Marine Nature Reserve. It is situated 10 km from Baltimore in West Cork and is a fascinating place.  There is an information board at the lakeside describing its origin, geology and unusual wildlife.  A 5km loop walk starting at the lake takes you past a prehistoric ringfort, gives spectacular Atlantic Ocean views, descends to Barlogue pier at the sea-entrance to the lake and finally follows the lakeshore back to the starting point.  Another, rather longer walk, takes you climbing through the woods to the summit of Knockomagh Hill,  will reward with stunning panoramic views not only of Lough Hyne but also panoramas of the West Cork coastline from Galley Head to Fastnet Rock to Mizen Head and beyond.  The walker can choose to return to the starting point by descending the hill or can continue walking north over the back of Knockomagh Hill and returning to the lake via a small green road past a couple of ancient holy wells.

 Loughine Lake is a great place to go for a swim, bird & seal watching or a leisurely wander along the western shore towards Balrogue Creek.