[4][5] Lough Hyne was probably a freshwater lake until about four millennia ago (2000 BC, during the Atlantic Bronze Age), when rising sea levels flooded it with saline ocean water.

William Spottswood Green first recorded the presence of the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus.

Several laboratories were constructed near the shores of the lake, supporting ground-breaking ecological research under Prof. Jack Kitching and Dr John Ebling.

[7] The area is a tourist attraction with a permanent exhibition on the lough and its importance at nearby Skibbereen Heritage Centre.

A nature trail up Knockomagh Hill offers superb views of the lough and the surrounding area.