While more than 450 different species are recorded in Ireland, there are fewer breeding species than in other European countries but many interesting Winter migtants. The sheer numbers of birds on the coast can be truly spectacular and it is among the best places anywhere to get an up close look at such species as Shearwaters, Puffins, Petrels and a large number of species of Gull.
There are a few birds of particular interest because they are in decline elsewhere and quite strong in Ireland, including the largest number of Storm Petrels and Chough in Europe.
This section has a selection of places that visitors to Ireland with an interest in birds are likely to find particularly enjoyable. They either have good resident populations of birds or have particularly good locations for seeing a wide variety of bird species.
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?
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Galway is a compact city, easily explored by foot in half a day. This tour is a gentle amble through the city centre, with stops to visit places of interest.
At the end there is an optional walk along the edge of Galway Bay, which is ideal for working off lunch and will be especially enjoyed by bird watchers.
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The Barrow Valley is a quiet and unspoiled area, much loved by walkers and little visited by tourists.
The river that meanders though is popular with cruise boats but also means there are miles of riverside paths waiting to be explored.
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An easy and interesting tour that is perfect for those arriving in Shannon and spending their first night in Galway.
The tour takes you to some relatively little visited places as well as very popular ones, and as much of the driving is on quiet roads it’ll help to become accustomed to driving on the left too!
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WB Yeats is one of the most romantic poets ever and this is his ancestral home, a place he dearly loved and where he is buried.
Add lovely unspoiled countryside, good places to stay and eat and not too many tourists and it’s the perfect recipe for a romantic getaway.
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Away from the crowds around the Cliffs of Moher there is a quieter but no less beautiful stretch of coastline in Clare, around peaceful Loop Head.
It is a sparsely populated area which will reward those prepared to get off the beaten track and its lighthouse can even be rented and stayed in as the ultimate getaway retreat.
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This tiny island off the coast of Donegal isn’t always the easiest to get to – you’re depending on good weather – but it is always worth the effort.
The island is ‘ruled’ by an elected king and as well as wonderful scenery and wildlife has a renowned school of painters, who work in a naif primitive style.
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This vast enclosed park in Dublin houses a Zoo, residences for the president of Ireland and the US ambassador as well as a herd of wild deer.
There are wide open green spaces, secluded glens, grounds for cricket, polo and other sports and a pretty good restaurant in the visitor centre. It’s a wonderful place to explore.
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Killykeen is a large forested area beside Lough Oughter in Co Cavan, which as well as good walks has an interesting ruined castle on an Island and a number of ancient megalithic structure, the largest of which is the Gartnanoul Court Tomb.
The park is in the care of Coillte, the Irish Forestry Board, and is also a popular area with anglers and bird watchers. Admission to Killykeen is free.
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Emo Court is a Gandon designed Georgian house at the centre of a huge landscaped estate of gardens, walks and grand vistas.
There is an arboretu with some splendid specimen trees and it’s a wonderful place for kid’s who are feeling a bit cooped up in the car to get out and race around in a safe and open place.
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