Where to see puffins?
During our trip in May next year, my wife really wants to see puffins. I’ve read that they can be found on some of the islands in the south and west, but not sure she can stand a rough ferry trip.
Are there places on the coast perhaps where puffins can be seen that time of year? Are some island trips easier on landlubbers than others?
Puffins are reasonably common in many parts of Ireland. They are quite numerous at the Cliffs of Moher, which doesn’t involve a boat trip. Loop head is another good place. The best time to see them is between April and August so your timing is good.
That said, a boat gives you a better chance, even if its just a trip up and down the shore. When you are on top of the cliffs, you don’t really see what’s going on on the cliff face too easily, and they are often on ledges below the cliff top and don’t exactly stroll up to the crowd for a photograph in places like the Cliffs of Moher.
There is a terrific site you should keep an eye on called Birding Ireland, where bird sightings are reported. If you search for ‘Fratercula arctica’ as the keyword there, you’ll see where people are spotting puffins.
Puffins are to be seen at Hornhead, Dunfanaghy, County Donegal
Thanks, Mary! I’ll check it out!
The following islands around Ireland have puffins along with a boat service:
Irelands Eye (Dublin)
Saltee Island (Wexford)
Rathlin Island (Antrim)
Skellig Michael (Kerry)
Thanks, Darragh! Any places on the mainland? In case I can’t get my wife on a boat!
Cliffs of Moher in County Clare has puffins but I have never photographed them there.
Skellig Michael is the best place to view them, they are only ever a few feet away from you.