North Kerry Waxcap Survey 2012 - the Northern Ireland Fungus Group

The other two sites with over ten species of waxcap were both odd sites that did not look
promising initially. These were Kilballylahiff and Faha Grotto. Kilballylahiff was a very wet
hillside described earlier when the find of Geoglossum uliginosum was discussed. Faha Grotto
was a small area of interest between the car park at the start of the track up Mount Brandon to
a grotto. Both of these sites are unlikely to be significant waxcap sites.
Faha Grotto indicated from the lower slopes of Mount Brandon
Other sites of note are as follows:
• Dunmore Head which juts out into Blasket Sound is a dramatic spot with both a classic
short coastal sward and old fields that are no longer being farmed. Unfortunately the
sward on these fields was too thick and matted and fruiting was sparse as spots like
that can be excellent. 9 species of waxcap were found but likely to be more.
• Bulls Head and Doonties Common on the south coast of the peninsula to the east of
Dingle town looked hopeful from aerial photographs but proved to be very wet with
deep molinia and only scattered areas of grassland on the very steepest slopes at the
cliff edges. Not worth revisiting for waxcaps. 8 species of waxcap were found.
• Eask Tower overlooking Dingle Harbour had limited areas of grassland with most of
the upper slopes being too wet and boggy. Some possible areas at the cliff edges on
the south side of the tower but unlikely to be very good. 7 species found.
• Lough Slat. In the mold of Lough Adoon, this is a steep side glacial corrie that should
be better and is worth another visit. 7 species found.
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