Bull Island is a UNESCO reserve found along Dublin’s serene coastline. It’s home to over 190 bird species, including curlews, black-tailed godwits, and various waders. You’ll also find impressive birds of prey like the Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. No wonder it’s one of the most popular locations for Bird Watching in Ireland. Walk along the scenic beaches and mudflats, and you might just spot a heron hunting by the shoreline.
This nature reserve offers a blend of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, making it a favourite among birdwatchers. Three viewing platforms offer stunning views over the lush grassland areas, and they’re all connected by marked walking trails! Whether you’re wandering along the raised boardwalks, or the uneven grass paths, you’ll get a close-up look at nature’s finest. During migratory season, keep your eyes peeled for waders like lapwings and redshanks.
Take a lovely day trip to the Saltee Islands by ferry! This seabird haven sits just 5km off the coast of Wexford. The islands are home to puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, as well as larger birds like gannets. They also have a breeding population of Grey Seals. The cliffs and rugged coastline provide the perfect view of these guys in their natural habitat.
Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest freshwater lake, is a paradise for waterfowl enthusiasts. Its wetlands and reed beds offer a prime location for migratory birds like wildfowl, ducks, and swans. There are five different bird hides spread across the lake shore. Birdwatchers flock here for a chance to see pintails, teals, and the rare Whooper swan, especially during the winter months.
County Kerry is a birdwatcher’s dream, and the Skellig Islands are no exception. The puffins arrive on the island in late spring and gannets start to arrive in March. By April, they have the island COVERED! The Skelligs are home to over 25,000 pairs of gannets, making it the largest gannet colony in Ireland! 🕊️ A boat tour around the islands is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Nestled in the rugged hills of Donegal, Glenveagh National Park spans over 16500 hectares. It hosts birds like the Peregrine Falcon, Golden Plover and Red-Throated Diver. Amazingly, Golden Eagles were reintroduced to Ireland in 2002 at Glenveagh National Park after they had been absent for almost 100 years. So, it’s an excellent place for watching golden eagles soaring high above the mountains. The mix of woodlands, lakes, and moorland makes Glenveagh an idyllic place for birdwatching.
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is famous for its large populations of wildfowl. Over 250 bird species have been seen on the Reserve, with many migrating from Greenland, Scandinavia and Arctic Russia. Winter is the best time to visit, as this is when rarer species, like the Barnacle Goose, flock here in large numbers.
Strangford Lough is a stunning estuary home to 25,000 wildfowl and 50,000 waders. In winter, thousands of Brent geese arrive here and White-fronted geese visit from Downpatrick marshes. The lough is an important breeding ground for several species. While you’re there, look out for porpoises, seals, and otters too. The best places to see them are at Cloughy Rocks and Granagh Bay.
The Bridges of Ross were once a stunning trio of sea-arches but over time, the fierce Atlantic has worn them down, leaving just one impressive ‘bridge.’ Turn right at the cliffs edge, and you’ll find a semi-circular hollow overlooking a small inlet. Then sit down and start scanning!
From July to November, you’ll see shearwaters, skuas, and petrels migrating along Ireland’s west coast. Remember to watch out for rare sightings, like the Sooty Tern, Black-Browed Albatross, and Swinhoe’s Petrel.
Inishbofin Island, off the coast of Galway, is truly a birdwatching gem. Seabirds like puffins and razorbills thrive here, along with Fulmers, Shags, Guillemots, and Arctic Terns. The island’s remote location allows these birds to nest undisturbed, giving visitors a special chance to see them in their natural habitats. Presently, the rarest species found on the island is the Corncrake.
