explore natural ireland - fáilte ireland
DESCRIPTION
Natural heritage, wildlife, biodiversity, whatever you want to call it, Ireland has it in abundance. From the vast National Parks to the hidden wetlands, there is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. This publication gives you all you need to make wildlife a memorable part of your Irish holiday experience.TRANSCRIPT
NaturalIRELAND
EXPLORE
1
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Exploring Ireland’s Natural Heritage 02
Leave No Trace 04
Holidaying ‘Green’ 05
IRISH LANDSCAPES 06
Mountains 08
Woodlands 10
Coasts, Cliffs, Sand dunes, Beaches and Estuaries 12
Bogs, Fens and Marshes 15
Rivers and Lakes 16
IRISH SPECIES
Terrestrial Mammals 18
Whales, Dolphins & Other Marine Mammals 22
Birds 24
Bugs, Butterflies & More 27
Wildflowers 30
SOME THINGS TO DO IN THE
South East 32
South West 34
West 36
North West 38
Midlands & Borders 40
East 41
General Tips For Your Trip 42
Resources & Links To Help You Plan Your Visit 43
Contents PAGE
Bee Orchid
Natural heritage, wildlife, biodiversity, whatever you want to call it, Ireland has it in abundance. From the vast National Parks to the hidden wetlands, there is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Ireland’s position at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean means our
landscapes and wildlife differ from other countries. Ireland’s western
coastal waters drop quickly to ocean depths, and the ocean current
– the ‘gulf stream’– circulates warm waters to form Ireland’s milder
climate. This brings soft rain throughout the year adding to the lush,
green landscapes that form the ‘emerald isle’.
After the last great Ice Age, Ireland was separated from other
European countries, so it does not have the range of plants and
animals found elsewhere. Whereas tradition would credit St Patrick
with banishing snakes from the island, the absence of snakes and
many other species can actually be attributed to rising sea levels
forming a natural barrier to their expansion to Ireland.
And who would have thought that Ireland would be one of the best
places in Europe for whale-watching? Or, that someone looking
in the right areas in Ireland for plants, may find species whose
main distributions occur in Alpine Europe, North America or the
Mediterranean. The absence of a conclusive answer as to why the
Irish flora should have this wide mix of origins merely adds to
the fascination.
Wherever your destination in Ireland, there will inevitably be places
you will see interesting wildlife. And because there is so much still
to be learnt about our native wildlife, you can help by reporting any
sightings of unusual species.
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Common Blue Butterfly
This brochure is intended to give you information to encourage you to put wildlife high up in your list, to give you ideas of what to look for, where to visit, and how to help look after wildlife.
Sections are given on some of the main wildlife habitat and species
groups and information also given on highlights in the different
regions you may be visiting. The opportunities to see wildlife in
Ireland are so varied that we can’t give all the information here.
We have provided ideas and resources to help you plan your trip,
but don’t forget that the best places are often found simply by
casual exploration, and by keeping your eyes and ears open.....
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Ireland has some of the most unspoilt, wildlife and landscapes in the world. To ensure it remains like this, it is important that it is kept special by all who enjoy it. Thus, you are asked to follow the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’.
The ‘Leave No Trace’ message is all about helping outdoor
enthusiasts to minimise their impact on the environment.
It is based on a set of seven core principles.
1. Plan ahead and prepare:Know where you are going to get the most opportunities to see
wildlife, and if travelling alone, let others know when you intend to
return for your own safety.
2. Be considerate of others:Other visitors may also be looking out for wildlife too so quietly pass
others and don’t block their views.
3. Respect wildlife and farm animals: Visitors coming too close to wintering waders may spook a flock
causing them to expend precious energy moving onto other
feeding grounds.
4. Travel and camp on durable ground:Bogs, sand dunes, riverbanks, cliff edges are all potentially fragile
and could give way underfoot. Not only could you inadvertently
damage fragile ecosystems, you could do serious harm to yourself.
Always take care where you are walking and stay on boardwalks when
provided.
5. Leave what you find:By not picking wildflowers, others can also savour the scent of wild
roses or enjoy the spectacle of wild primroses after you have gone.
6. Dispose of waste properly: Leather-back turtles have mistaken plastic bags as jelly-fish and
swallowed them. The plastic then blocks their digestive tract and
causes them to slowly die.
7. Minimise the effects of fire: A careless spark can cause many of the forest fires that have
destroyed massive tracts of Ireland’s woodlands in dry summers.
LEAVE NO TRACE
For more information on Leave No Trace Ireland visit www.leavenotraceireland.org
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Want to help the environment while you’re on holidays? Well now you can!
As a visitor in Ireland, we can help you make greener choices
without compromising on your fun. You can now choose from over
250 certified green tourism and eco-tourism providers, including
accommodation, attractions, activities, pubs and restaurants.
Over the past few years our tourism providers have been going
green, taking steps to protect and help you understand the most
precious resource we have – our environment! Located in some of
the most stunning landscapes in the world, it makes sense that these
businesses are helping to protect these special places. Thanks to
their commitment, we are proud to take our place on the world map
of greener places to visit.
We guarantee that all green providers listed in this brochure have a
recognised third party tourism operators also offer opportunities to
get out into the natural surroundings by offering experiences that are
nature-based.
HOLIDAYING ‘GREEN’
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Glencar
The Irish landscape is underpinned by a rock skeleton, which is essentially the product of a prolonged period of erosion that relentlessly stripped away younger, softer, sedimentary rocks to reveal more resistant ancient geologies.
These are most apparent on the periphery of the island, where
they provide the mountainous majesty so beloved by residents and
tourists. Rising to just over 1,000 m (3,280 ft.) in the Southwest,
these uplands occur as a series of sharply defined units separated
from each other by lowland corridors through which the rivers of the
Central Plain trench their way across the structural grain to reach
the sea. The gently undulating central lowlands, on the other hand,
comprise about two-thirds of the island and are generally less than
120 m (400ft.) above sea level. Superimposed on all of this is a thick
covering of glacial deposits and a layer of contemporary soils. On top
of all this, the green mantle of flora thrives. The landscape reflects
primarily the suitability of the Irish climate for grass growth. Pasture
and grasses account for more than 60 percent of the land cover, a
dominance particularly marked in the centre.
(from ‘Changing Shades of Green’; www.irishclimate.org)
Lough Gill From Dooney Rock
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IRISH LANDSCAPE
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Protected AreasSpecial Areas of Conservation (SAC’s)
are areas that are of European
Importance for plants, animals and
certain habitats. Animals protected
include lesser horseshoe bats,
otter, salmon, seals, marsh fritillary
butterfly and freshwater pearl
mussel. Ireland is so important for
wildlife and hosts so many special
habitats, that nearly 20% of Ireland
is designated as an SAC.
There are also areas within Ireland
that are very important for wildlife
such as Natural Heritage Areas
(NHAs).
National Parks Ireland has six different national
parks. The first of these, Killarney
National Park, was opened in
1932 where you can now see the
reintroduced white-tailed eagle soar
overhead. The largest national park
is the Wicklow Mountains National
Park with its upland lakes, glaciated
valleys, bogs, woodland and wildlife.
Wildlife Sites of International ImportanceRamsar Sites are internationally
important wetland sites, designated
under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.
Wetlands includes open water,
peatlands and fens. Forty-five have
been designated in Ireland.
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MOUNTAINS09
The foreboding nature of mountain environments may give the impression that they are not inhabited by wildlife. Far from it.
The exposure and environmental conditions found within our
mountain ranges means that they can support a range of highly
specialised (and often rare) species of plants and animals. In our
western hill ranges, the increased exposure to weather conditions
means that some alpine plant species occur at much lower altitudes
than elsewhere in Europe.
The inaccessibility of mountainous areas means that habitats such
as ancient woodland persist in the lower slopes when they have been
lost elsewhere. The mixture of habitats such as blanket bog on the
flatter areas grading into wet or dry heath on the slopes, inaccessible
scree or rocky slopes, and steep wet gulleys can provide a diversity
that is matched by the species found there.
Cooley Mountains
10MOUNTAINS
What wildlife to look for in mountainous areas Many rare plants can be found in our mountain
ranges by those with a sense of adventure.
Species such as mountain avens and mossy
saxifrage may be found in the exposed
mountains of the north-west and west as well
as on the limestone pavements of The Burren or
south Mayo. Some mountain species only exist
at a few sites in Ireland; fringed sandwort occurs
on Benbulben in Co. Sligo, with the nearest other
colonies of the species found in the European
Alps, the Pyrenees and south-west Norway.
Our mountainous areas are fantastic for a
number of species of birds. These include
peregrine falcons that may be nesting on cliff
faces and can often be heard calling above
your head if you pass through their territory in
summer. Ravens also nest on cliffs and patrol
the uplands in search of carrion. There is always
the chance to glimpse a merlin as it dashes from
one horizon to another, hugging the ground as it
goes. You may even be lucky enough to see one
of the golden eagles introduced at Glenveagh
National Park in Co. Donegal or a white-tailed
eagle in the Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.
It is important that you are ready to see wildlife
in mountainous areas and have your binoculars
at hand – the wildlife can be spectacular but
opportunities to see it can often be brief!
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TIPS & Further InformationBecause of the obvious dangers associated with mountains, the best way to see them is by visiting the National Parks or by following designated walking routes.
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For thousands of years Ireland was nearly all covered in woodland, made up of the naturally occurring species such as ash, oak, hazel and elm.
Through the years, woodlands decreased, especially due to human
activities such as farming and the cutting down of wood for
ship-building. Now, old natural woodlands have become very rare (it
is estimated only 1% remains). Old oak woodland, such as that found
around Lough Gill in Co. Sligo, supports many important species
including strawberry tree, ivy broomrape and purple hairstreak butterfly.
There are many small woodlands dotted around Ireland and a visitor
may be best advised to search out sites locally. Coillte has many trails
that go through both native woodland and commercial forestry.
Woodland In Limestone Gorge
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Some of Ireland’s National Parks have extensive areas of woodland. Information on some of these is given below:
Wicklow National Park has both native deciduous and coniferous
woodlands. The woods here support a host
of animals, plants and fungi including red
squirrel and pine marten.
The Burren National Park
allows visitors to experience a unique hazel
scrub habitat. It provides for many species
of fauna and flora. The canopy of the scrub
allows enough light in to support a diverse
range of plants beneath and some areas have
dramatic carpets of bluebells in the spring.
Killarney National Park holds native oak and yew woods and evergreen
trees and shrubs which provide a perfect
habitat for the native red deer herd. Also
lichens, ferns and bryophytes thrive in the
humid climate.
Glenveagh National Park
includes about 100 hectares of natural and
semi natural woodland, the dominant trees
being oak and birch. The best time of the year
to visit is during the summer months, as the
woods provide plenty of food for the bustling
wildlife, with a chance to see and hear a wood
warbler.
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Woodland With Fern Understorey
COASTS, CLIFFS, SAND DUNES, BEACHES & ESTUARIES 13
Few coastlines can surpass the stunning scenery and beauty that Ireland’s has to offer.The highest sea cliffs in Western Europe, (Guinness Book of
Records), fall 668m to the sea at Achill Island, Co Mayo. More
easily accessible but equally stunning are those at Slieve League,
Co. Donegal (601m), and the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare (214m).
VISITINGthese placesThe coasts, cliffs, sand dunes and beaches of
Ireland can be visited at any time of the year
and there are many things that you can do
while there.
• Waitingforlowtidetorevealrock
pools gives an opportunity to explore
submarine wildlife.
• Thecoastisalwaysagreatplaceto
view a wide variety of birds and marine
mammals – see the relevant sections for
more details.
• ThewestandSouthcoastsof Ireland
occasionally get species, blown ashore
after strong winds, that normally live out in
the oceans. Species such as the violet sea
snail, the fantastically named by-the-wind
sailor and buoy-making barnacles offer a
window into understanding how species
that live out in the Atlantic Ocean are often
washed up along the strand line.
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Coastal cliffs provide important resting,
roosting and nesting areas for seabirds. Seabirds of
many kinds such as guillemots, razorbills, puffins,
fulmars, kittiwakes, to name but a few, can be seen
breeding on almost all sea cliffs.
Sand and shingle habitats, although
apparently fragile, are highly effective in holding
back the sea as they dissipate the energy of waves.
On more exposed coasts, shingle builds up into
high banks with pebble sizes graded up the beach.
Plants such as sea campion and the very rare
oysterplant have adapted to cope with this shifting
substrate.
Sand dunes are hills of wind-blown sand
that have become progressively stabilised by a
cover of vegetation, the largest of which is located
in Kerry at Inch at over 1000 ha. Most dune
systems progress from the more mobile dunes
near the sea to the fixed dunes towards the land.
These fixed dunes can be very important for wild
flowers, including species such as wild thyme,
thyme broomrape and wild carrot as well as orchids
such as bee and pyramidal orchids. The wetland
areas behind the Inch dunes hold some of the only
populations of Natterjack toad in Ireland.
Machair is a specialised coastal grassland
found in the north and west of Ireland that can hold
fantastic displays of orchids, notably in Donegal,
north Sligo and west Mayo and Galway. Machair
sometimes has associated coastal lagoons, water
bodies that are separated from the sea by shingle
or sand banks, or even whole dune systems. A fine
example of a mixed coastal habitat in Sligo is the
area around Mullaghmore and Bunduff Lough.
Estuaries, found around all parts of
Ireland’s coast, often hold extensive inter-tidal
sand and mudflats that are fed by nutrients
brought down by the rivers, on which billions of
molluscs, crustaceans and invertebrates feed –
on these depend thousands of wintering waders
and wildfowl. Irish estuaries are as productive as
rainforests! Estuaries are also important sites for
many other species including common seals, grey
seal and otter.
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Cooper Coast
Ireland is covered in a network of bogs, fens and marshes, vital for our natural heritage, and providing important ‘ecosystem services’ such as flood control and filtering of water. The main habitats are blanket bog, raised bog, fens and marshes.
Blanket bog is the result of deep and extensive
peat formation in the wet Atlantic climate. It covers
large areas of the west of Ireland. Blanket bog is
largely associated with plant species such as heathers,
cotton-grasses and bog mosses. It is also often mixed
with other habitats such as wet heath and extensive
systems of pools or small lakes. Important bird species
such as wintering Greenland white-fronted geese,
breeding golden plover and merlin are associated with
this habitat.
Raised bogs are areas of deep peat habitat
that have formed in areas where drainage has been
impeded, often in glacial depressions left by the last Ice
Age. The sponge-like attributes of Sphagnum, or ‘bog
moss’, mean that it holds water and allows the habitat to
grow upwards, even well above the water-table creating
a dome shaped bog. These bogs have associated pools
and hummocks and have many specific plant species
associated with them. These include various sundews,
bog rosemary and some of the rarer bog mosses. Raised
bogs and blanket bogs are rare habitats in Europe and
are protected across the EU.
Fens occur in river valleys, hollows, and on lake
margins or floodplains, and can be rich in biodiversity.
Wet Grassland and Marsh are often
connected to other wetland habitats and can have a
high proportion of broadleaved herbs, as well as being
important for breeding waders such as lapwing and snipe
and for being the haunt of the threatened corncrake.
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BOGS, FENS & MARSHES
VISITINGbogs, fens & marshesSummertime is the best time to visit these wetland sites, when the
plants are in flower, the dragonflies and butterflies are on the wing
and the birds are singing. Flowering heather can be spectacular, with
ling heather and bell heather flowering from July to September.
Slieve Beagh, Co. Monaghan
RIVERS& LAKES 17
Ireland boasts over 12,000 ‘loughs’, or Lakes, and many thousands of kilometres of rivers.
These range from the great expansive lakes such as Lough Mask
(Co. Mayo), Derg (Co. Clare, Galway, north Tipperary) and Ree (Co.’s
Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon) to the small inter-drumlin
lakes of the north midlands, the blanket bog pools and the urban
recreational lakes. Irish rivers range from tiny mountain tributaries
to the fast flowing spate rivers in the north and west, to the sedate,
slow flowing rivers through midlands and coastal areas.
From the slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountains in Co. Cavan, the
Shannon River rises and becomes the largest river in Ireland flowing
nearly 400km into the Atlantic. Like most Irish rivers, it hosts a
wealth of wildlife and various habitats and provides stunning vistas
along its length. Even at its mouth, boat tours in the Shannon
estuary nearly always locate bottlenose dolphins which provide a
fantastic spectacle.
Lough Inchiquin
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VISITINGrivers & lakesRiversThe slow flowing lowland rivers, such as the Shannon are often fringed
with deep vegetation that holds breeding birds and dragonflies such as
the banded demoiselle in the summer. Many species of coarse fish as
well as salmon and trout lurk in the depths.
Smaller, faster flowing rivers can be the home to sea trout and
salmon, and birds like the dipper and grey wagtail. The dipper can
be recognised as a stout dark bird with a white bib which feeds
under water – diving or walking on the bottom to find caddis and
mayfly larvae. Grey wagtails are easily recognised by the slate grey
upperparts contrasting with yellow underneath.
Spate rivers are those that rise and run high very quickly after
rain because they have small catchments. These rivers are often
important for salmon and sea trout. They can often be seen from
July to September and can run in great numbers in the first rains
after a summer drought, creating a real spectacle.
LakesThe bog pools and lakes in many of the upland areas are often
poor in nutrients. Such lakes will have some species of dragonfly
such as black darter, and may have a population of small brown
trout. Lakes on limestone, on the other hand, can be extremely
productive, often being the most prolific fisheries as well as the
most interesting sites in terms of wildlife. These lakes can have
a real diversity of invertebrates, including dragonflies, and also
often have a wonderful array of flowering plants growing around
the margins.
Some of the deeper and colder lakes in west and north-west
Ireland harbour Arctic char, a species left in Ireland after the last
Ice Age.
The high quality of Ireland’s rivers and lakes is reflected in
the number of rare and protected species that they support.
Ireland holds some of the best and least threatened stocks of
white-clawed crayfish, Atlantic salmon and otter in Europe. It also
has important populations of rare and threatened species such as
the freshwater pearl mussel and lamprey species. All these species
rely on a continued high water and habitat quality.
Terrestrial Mammals
There are fewer land mammals in Ireland in comparison to other European countries due to the fact that the island of Ireland was separated from mainland Europe after the last period of glaciation.
The 27 different species includes bats, red squirrels, pine martens,
otters and the native red deer. Irish mammals are often shy and many
are mostly nocturnal so spotting many mammals may be difficult.
Many wild animals in Ireland are protected, as are their breeding
and resting places. Many species on the protected list are mammals
including bats, marine mammals, otter, badger and red squirrel, but
protection is also given to species such as white-clawed crayfish and
freshwater pearl mussel.
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Red Deer Family
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WHEREto see
BatsIreland has ten different species of bats, a number
of which are found across the island. You may spot
the earlier emerging species such as Leisler’s bat,
flying at dusk, as they arrive to feed on insects.
Look out along river banks and near barns or
outdoor lights. A single pipistrelle bat can consume
up to 3,000 insects per night.
Bats hibernate in the winter in buildings, trees, caves,
stone walls and bridges and the best time to look for
them is between May and September. An organised
bat walk provides the best opportunity to experience
these wonderful and mysterious creatures.
BadgerBadgers live in small groups, underground in a sett
made up of caves and tunnels and a special nest area
for sleeping. One sett could have any number from
2 to 20 badgers living there. Where there is a known
badger sett, you may be able to sit quietly downwind,
ideally before dusk, and watch badgers emerge.
Red DeerA visit in October to Killarney or Wicklow Mountains
National Parks should afford great views of the
mating rituals of red deer. During the breeding
season, or ‘rut’, the males compete by clashing
antlers and roaring to keep the females for
themselves. The red deer is Ireland’s largest wild
deer species. Its vibrant chestnut-coloured coat
becomes grey-brown in the winter. Late Spring (May
to June) is when red deer calves are born with their
red–brown coats and white spots. At other times of
the year, you may see red deer more active at dawn
or dusk when they are feeding.
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WHEREto see
Pine MartenOne of Ireland’s most elusive mammals is
the pine marten or ‘tree cat’ (from the Irish
‘crann-cait’). This largely nocturnal and solitary
species has spread across Ireland in recent
years, possibly helped by an increase in forestry.
Some of the largest populations are found in The
Burren, Killarney National Park, the Slieve Bloom
Mountains, Co. Laois and in parts of counties
Meath and Waterford. Pine martens are rarely seen,
but the best chance are often had by those willing
to get up early and spend time in mixed woodland
during summer months.
The Red SquirrelRed squirrels are found in broadleaf, mixed and
coniferous woodland. Once widespread in Ireland,
they have declined since the introduction of grey
squirrels 100 years ago and are now rare but more
commonly recorded in the southern half of the
country. In general, squirrels are more active during
dawn and dusk. The red squirrel does not hibernate
during the winter; it merely becomes less active
during the cold periods to retain energy, and stores
food to help it survive through the winter.
OtterIreland is a stronghold for this species in Europe
and Ireland’s otter population is considered to be
of international importance. They can be found
along rivers, lakes, coasts and estuaries. Otters
shun contact with people; often it is evidence of
‘spraints’ (droppings) that give them away.
As with the pine marten, the likelihood of seeing
them increases with the amount of time spent out
in the field.
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Red Squirrel
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WHALES, DOLPHINS & OTHER MARINE MAMMALS 23
With their deep ocean basins and shallow continental shelves, Irish coastal waters are ideal for whale- and dolphin- watching and for spotting seals
The Irish South coast, especially off counties Cork, Waterford, Kerry
and Wexford, are in particular recognised as ‘’hotspots’’ for large
marine mammals such as the Fin and Humpback whale. There are
few places in the European North Atlantic to see Fin whales; Ireland
is unique in that they can be experienced with relative ease for
between seven and nine months of the year, the peak season being
from September to February.
Seal and pup
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WHEREto seeSites along the south and west coast of
Ireland such as the Shannon estuary offer
the best opportunity to see species such as
Common and Bottlenose dolphins. Other
marine mammals that you may encounter on
a boat tour are seals. Islands of the West Cork
coast provide excellent opportunities to see
mixed colonies of Grey and Harbour seals,
lounging on rocks or floating in the water.
For land-based watching, the best locations
are bays, headlands and islands. Be advised
there may be access issues at some land-
based sites, such as The Old Head of Kinsale,
and Galley Head, both in Co. Cork.
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All wild birds in Ireland, their nests and eggs are protected by law. Over 450 different species of birds have been recorded. Many are migratory, others are rare or unusual visitors to Ireland.
Ireland’s wetlands are extremely important for hundreds of
thousands of species that migrate here for the winter months or
those ‘en route’ to wintering grounds further south. This autumn
migration is an amazing event in the calendar of the natural world.
Thousands of ducks, geese, waders and swans come here from many
countries across Northern Europe and further east - Russia, Iceland,
Greenland, even the east coast of North America. For some, such as
the light-bellied brent goose, almost the entire species’ population
winters in Ireland.
Seeing birds in Ireland Special Protection Areas (SPA’s) are areas that are specifically for
birds. They take into account the large distances that migrating birds
cover across the EU. The network of around 150 SPA’s in Ireland
includes important seabird colonies, wintering waterfowl sites and
sites supporting rare species (e.g. corncrake).
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Fulmar on nest on Inishmurray
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Some Bird ‘Spectacles’Over 10,000 Greenland white-fronted geese and thousands of other
wildfowl species spend the winter at the Wexford Wildlife Reserve.
This can also be a great site to see waders on passage in the late
summer and autumn, as can Tacumshin lake in the same county.
In spring, look out for the first swallows, swifts, house martins or
numerous warblers that migrate north to Ireland from sub-Saharan
Africa. These species come here in our warmer months to breed,
before making the long trip back to Africa in autumn.
Rockabill Island in Dublin is home to Europe’s largest breeding
colony of the beautiful roseate tern. Ireland also boasts an important
population of chough. These red-billed crows are spotted on many
coastal sites, but are most numerous along the south west and west
where they feed on short grassland.
County Sligo holds a third of the national wintering population of
barnacle geese (over 3,000 birds!). This spectacular flock can often
be observed from October to April at the Ballygilgan National Nature
Reserve ‘the goose fields’, Lissadell, Co. Sligo. Large flocks of this
species can also be found in areas like Belmullet, Co. Mayo and
Trawbreaga in Co. Donegal.
Cape Clear Island lies 8 miles off the coast of Co. Cork and has
always been famous for its passing seabirds and migrating songbirds.
The Cape Clear Bird Observatory monitors birds during the peak
migration months. A trip taken at the right time in August or
September could reward the visitor with the spectacle of thousands
of shearwaters, auks and skuas passing the southern tip of the
island, plus the added possibility of seeing Minke, Fin or Humpback
whales and dolphins.
Summer is the time to head to the west of Ireland, where seaside
cliffs and islands are an ideal place for large seabird colonies, some
in staggering numbers such as: puffin, guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake,
fulmar, gannet, shags and cormorants. Details are listed in the
Coastal section. Other species to be found breeding along the coast
include peregrine falcon, chough and raven.
Ireland has only a few areas where the corncrake still breeds. Some of
the last remaining locations include north west Co. Mayo, Tory Island in
Co. Donegal and Inishbofin Island, off Connemara, Co. Galway.
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Sea-watchingThe best locations for sea-watching are on the west coast
and include:
• Bridgesof RossandLoopHead.Co.Clare
• KilcumminHead.Co.Mayo
• DownpatrickHead.Co.Mayo
• BrandonHead.Co.Kerry
• GalleyHead.Co.Cork
• CapeClearIsland.Co.Cork
• MizenHead.Co.Cork
• HelvicHead,Co.Waterford
Recent re-introduction programmes have provided opportunities
to observe species that have been absent for many years. See the
Golden Eagle Trust for more information, or visit the National Parks.
Kingfisher (female)
2828
Many butterflies, moths, dragonflies and beetles are closely linked to habitat types and quality.
Some have specific needs such as individual food plants and water
quality that mean their existence in an area can tell a story about
what plants may be found there, how healthy the environment is, etc.
Others are poor at dispersal and can indicate how old a habitat is or
how well it is connected to other wildlife areas.
Invertebrates deserve far more attention than they get and, in many
cases all you need to do to get to see them is to slow a little and
look down.
.
BUGS, BUTTERFLIES & MORE
Elephant Hawk
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For the tourist interested in seeing butterflies and dragonflies
in Ireland, the season is really from May to September with
the best time being July to September for peak diversity of
species.
The Irish damselfly, a species first recorded in
Ireland in the 1980’s, does not occur in Britain and can be
found at a number of sites in Ireland. The species is sensitive
to water quality change and, although more surveying is
resulting in the species being found at new sites, there is a
concern that it is disappearing just as quickly in other areas.
Other dragonflies can be seen throughout the summer,
with the four-spotted chaser, one of the more common species,
found at almost any wetland around Ireland. Other species
have more limited distribution, such as the black-tailed
skimmer which is more restricted to limestone lakes.
Butterflies can be found in many habitats in Ireland
from woodlands to bogs, grasslands and coastal dunes.
Green hairstreaks can often be found early in the season
in bog habitat. Speckled wood butterflies can often be
seen throughout the summer and late into the season on a
woodland walk. The marsh fritillary is a species that, despite
its rarity, is increasingly being recorded at new sites as people
become more aware of what to look for.
SEEING invertebrates
Four Spotted Chaser Dragonfly
3030
Moths may not attract everyone’s attention,
but they are a spectacular group of invertebrates,
providing interest for anyone who wishes to look at
something ‘’different’’ in the natural world. Many
moths can be seen in the day, and a visit onto
the bogs between April and July could provide
sightings of male Emperor or Fox moths buzzing
around looking for a female. The same habitat in the
Midlands, west or north, could produce a sighting of
the scarce narrow-bordered bee hawk moth as it flies
between lousewort plants looking for nectar. There
is always a chance of seeing something like the
beautiful Elephant hawk moth - even in a garden!
Rarer moths have brought a number of
‘enthusiasts’ on holiday to Ireland in recent years.
The rediscovery of the white prominent moth near
Caragh Lake in Co. Kerry in 2008, after it had been
thought to be extinct from Ireland for 70 years,
resulted in a number of people coming over
from Britain.
Aquatic invertebrates, such as
white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussel
occur in a number of rivers. These species are
protected under Irish and European law and neither
species can be seen without potential impacts.
Both rely on extremely good water quality and
highlight the importance of Ireland’s natural
environment as well as its potential fragility and
susceptibility to damage.
Elephant Hawk
WILD FLOWERS 31
The wide ranging nature of Ireland’s habitats, from bogs to fens, to limestone grasslands and coastal dunes, brings with it a great diversity in wild flowers.
Some of these can be found near areas where people traditionally
take holidays and some may need to be searched out. Those who are
willing to make a little effort may be rewarded by fields of orchids or
bog cotton waving in the wind.
Timing is important for those who wish to see wild flowers in Ireland,
but there is much to be seen throughout the spring, summer and
autumn holiday season.
You should not pick or collect wild flowers or their seeds. Indeed,
some species are protected and it is an offence to cut, pick or collect
seeds or to uproot the flowers and mosses listed under the Flora
Protection Order.
Wet Grassland
32
Seeing wild flowersWildflowers can be seen in almost all months in Ireland and people
visiting woodlands in January or February may, for example, see
snowdrops. Most of the real wild flower spectacles, however, are likely
to be observed between June and September.
Many of those who visit Ireland to see wild flowers will aim for The
Burren in the summer. This area of limestone hills in Co. Clare has a
well-deserved reputation for an astonishing array of flowering plants
from March to August. The Burren holds three quarters of
Ireland’s native plant species including most of its orchids. Although the
main season would be May to July, early season visitors should search
the south facing slopes for budding flowers and late season visitors
check the northern slopes for late blooms.
Coastal areas hold a variety of habitats that contain specialist
wild flowers. The more stable, grassed parts of dune systems around
the coastline can hold many orchid species among other characteristic
species such as seaside pansy and lady’s bedstraw. The specialised
coastal grassland known as machair in the north and west of Ireland
can hold fantastic displays of orchids, notably in Donegal, north
Sligo and west Mayo and Galway. In these habitats, calcium in the
shell fragments that make up the soil helps to mimic rich limestone
grassland habitats.
Bogs and wetlands hold magnificent and often specialised
wildflower species. The raised and blanket bogs found throughout the
country are home to species such as sundews which, because they live
in a habitat poor in nutrients, have adapted to feed on insects. These
and other species such as bog asphodel, or ‘bonebreaker’ (so named
because it was wrongly thought to affect the bones of grazing animals),
can be found flowering in July and August.
There are many other habitats to explore for wild flowers, including
the fens in Monaghan, the grasslands in north Cavan and Leitrim, hills
in Wicklow, eskers in Offaly, saltmarshes and cliffs around the entirety
of Ireland’s coastline, and even local verges and hedgerows.
Rare and unusual plants can be found in a number of
areas. Blue-eyed grass, a species which can be found in wet meadows
in the west of Ireland is a species largely found in America. Fringed
sandwort, found on Benbulben in Co. Sligo occurs in parts of Europe, but
not at all in Britain. Wild asparagus has a very limited range in Ireland,
found in some sand dunes in the south east.
32
TIPS & Further InformationVisit in the summer months and seek out-of-the-way places such as sand dunes, wetlands, and grasslands. Although many of the big wildflower spectacles are highlighted above, exploring a hidden fen in Co. Monaghan, raised bog in Tipperary, or even hedgerow in Donegal could bring rewards. The key is to take time and look closely.
Spotted Orchids
N15
N15
N14
N13
N13
A5
A5
N23
N22
N21
M8
N25
N24
N18
N18
M18
N15
A509
N4
N17
N26
N5N5
N17
CORKKERRY
LIMERICK
CLARE
GALWAY
MAYO
SLIGO
LEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORD
WEST MEATH
OFFALY
ROSCOMMON
DONEGAL
M8
Dunfanaghy
Carndonagh
Malin
RathmullenBunbeg
Ballyliffen Culdaff
Portsalon
Gortahork
Ballybofey
Glenties
Ardara
Belleek Irvinestown
Mullaghmore
Manorhamilton
Dromahair
Collooney
Easkey
Dromore West
Castlebaldwin
Charlestown
Ballymote
Tobercurry
Foxford
Ballycastle
Bangor
Crossmolina
Newport
Mount Bellew
Leenaun
Clonbur
Oughterard
Clifden
Carna
Cleggan
Roundstone
Ballyconneely
Rossaveal
SpiddleInveran
Loughrea
Portumna
Athenry
Abbeyfeale
Newcastle west
Kanturk
Millstreet
Buttevant
Mitchelstown
Bandon
Bantry
Glengarriff
Baltimore
Schull
Goleen
Castletown
Ardgroom
Glenbeigh
Cahirciveen
Waterville Sneem
Killorglin
GweedoreAran Island
Dunglow
Glencolmcille
Malin More
Drumcliff
Strandhill
Ballysadare
Roscommon
Killala
Belmullet
Keem Ballycroy
Mulrany
Louisburgh
Roonagh Point
Letterfrack
Recess
Carraroe
Oranmore
Ballyvaughan
LisdoonvarnaDoolin
Inishmore
Kenmare
Ballyshannon
Bundoran
Killybegs
Ballina
Castlebar
Westport
Tuam
Headford
Claremorris
Ballyhaunis
Londonderry
FermoyDingle
Skibbereen
Clonakilty
Kinsale
Listowel
Youghal
Ennis
Tralee
Killarney
Mallow
Cobh
Midleton
Grange
Carrick-on-Shannon
Strokestown
Swinford
Buncrana
Milford
Lifford
Portstewart
Shannon
Kilrush
LETTERKENNY
SLIGO
DONEGAL
GALWAY
CORK
LIMERICK
OFFALYOFFALYOFFALYOFFALY
33
SOME THINGS TO DO THE SOUTH EASTWaterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Carlow
34
N15
N15
N14
N13
N13
A5
A5
N23
N22
N21
M8
N25
N24
N18
N18
M18
N15
A509
N4
N17
N26
N5N5
N17
CORKKERRY
LIMERICK
CLARE
GALWAY
MAYO
SLIGO
LEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORD
WEST MEATH
OFFALY
ROSCOMMON
DONEGAL
M8
Dunfanaghy
Carndonagh
Malin
RathmullenBunbeg
Ballyliffen Culdaff
Portsalon
Gortahork
Ballybofey
Glenties
Ardara
Belleek Irvinestown
Mullaghmore
Manorhamilton
Dromahair
Collooney
Easkey
Dromore West
Castlebaldwin
Charlestown
Ballymote
Tobercurry
Foxford
Ballycastle
Bangor
Crossmolina
Newport
Mount Bellew
Leenaun
Clonbur
Oughterard
Clifden
Carna
Cleggan
Roundstone
Ballyconneely
Rossaveal
SpiddleInveran
Loughrea
Portumna
Athenry
Abbeyfeale
Newcastle west
Kanturk
Millstreet
Buttevant
Mitchelstown
Bandon
Bantry
Glengarriff
Baltimore
Schull
Goleen
Castletown
Ardgroom
Glenbeigh
Cahirciveen
Waterville Sneem
Killorglin
GweedoreAran Island
Dunglow
Glencolmcille
Malin More
Drumcliff
Strandhill
Ballysadare
Roscommon
Killala
Belmullet
Keem Ballycroy
Mulrany
Louisburgh
Roonagh Point
Letterfrack
Recess
Carraroe
Oranmore
Ballyvaughan
LisdoonvarnaDoolin
Inishmore
Kenmare
Ballyshannon
Bundoran
Killybegs
Ballina
Castlebar
Westport
Tuam
Headford
Claremorris
Ballyhaunis
Londonderry
FermoyDingle
Skibbereen
Clonakilty
Kinsale
Listowel
Youghal
Ennis
Tralee
Killarney
Mallow
Cobh
Midleton
Grange
Carrick-on-Shannon
Strokestown
Swinford
Buncrana
Milford
Lifford
Portstewart
Shannon
Kilrush
LETTERKENNY
SLIGO
DONEGAL
GALWAY
CORK
LIMERICK 34
Wicklow Mountains National Park:
• TakeawalkaroundGlendalough,orgowildlifespotting
in the mountains.
• AvisitinOctobershouldoffergreatviewsof themating
rituals of red deer.
• RedKiteshaverecentlybeenreintroducedintoIreland.
The reintroduction project is based in Co. Wicklow and
this is considered to be one of the best locations to see
this majestic species.
Take a walk around the boardwalk trail at Fenor Bog,
Co. Waterford to find out about wetland habitats.
Visit the Wexford Wildfowl National Nature Reserve (www.wexfordwildfowlreserve.ie) or
‘slobs’ for wintering bird spectacles.
Whale-watching from a south coast headland or on
an organised boat trip. Humpback and Fin whale (the second
largest mammals on the planet) can sometimes be seen from
headlands in Waterford and Cork (and occasionally Wexford).
These whales visit the south coast from September to February.
During the spring and summer months, breeding seabirds can
be seen at numerous locations around the coast. Some of the
biggest breeding seabird colonies
in the region are located at the Great Saltee Islands
(www.salteeislands.info), 5km off the coast of Co. Wexford.
In summer, the beaches along the south east coasts attract
many visitors for a variety of coastal activities.
Some things to do in…
If you’re visiting a particular part of the country, here are a few specifi c things to watch out for in addition to those already mentioned.
THE SOUTH EAST
South Coast
Saltee Islands
N23
N22
N21
M8M8
N25
N24
N18
CORKCORKKERRYKERRYKERRY
LIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICK
AbbeyfealeAbbeyfealeAbbeyfealeAbbeyfeale
Newcastle westNewcastle west
KanturkKanturk
MillstreetMillstreet
ButtevantButtevant
MitchelstownMitchelstown
BandonBandon
BantryBantryBantryBantry
GlengarriffGlengarriffGlengarriffGlengarriff
BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimore
Schull
GoleenGoleen
CastletownCastletownCastletownCastletown
ArdgroomArdgroomArdgroomArdgroomArdgroomArdgroomArdgroomArdgroom
GlenbeighGlenbeighGlenbeighGlenbeighGlenbeigh
CahirciveenCahirciveen
WatervilleWatervilleWatervilleWatervilleWaterville SneemSneemSneem
KillorglinKillorglinKillorglinKillorglinKillorglin
Kenmare
FermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyFermoyDingleDingleDingleDingleDingle
SkibbereenSkibbereenSkibbereenSkibbereen
ClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakiltyClonakilty
KinsaleKinsaleKinsaleKinsale
ListowelListowel
YoughalYoughal
TraleeTralee
KillarneyKillarneyKillarneyKillarney
MallowMallow
CobhCobhCobhCobhCobhCobhCobh
MidletonMidletonMidleton
ShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannon
CORKCORK
LIMERICKLIMERICK
M18M18
CLARECLARE
EnnisEnnis
Shannon
Kilrush
35
SOME THINGS TO DO THE SOUTH WESTCork, Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick
36
M8M8
YoughalYoughalYoughal
36
Killarney National Park:
•Octoberisthestartof theruttingseason.Thiscanbethe
best time of the year to see red deer in the park as the
stags are at their most vocal.
•White-tailedeagleshaverecentlybeenreintroducedinto
Ireland. The reintroduction project is based in Killarney
National Park and this is considered to be one of the best
locations to see this majestic species in Ireland.
View the large Fin and Humpback whales off the south coast. There are very few places in European
North Atlantic where fin whales in particular can be seen with
such relative ease for seven to nine months of the year and
inshore. Bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon also offer a rare
opportunity with a massive success rate in locating dolphins
inshore. Other species that may sometimes be seen along the
west coast include basking shark, sunfish and leatherback
turtle. The peak season for watching these species is
September – February.
During the spring and summer months, thousands of
breeding seabirds can be seen at numerous
locations around the coast. Some of the biggest breeding
seabird colonies are located at the Skellig Islands off the coast
of Co. Kerry. This magnificent spectacle is well worth the trip.
From August through the autumn months, during westerly
winds, one can sometimes see large numbers of
birds migrate to and past Ireland. Species to be
seen may include manx shearwaters, great skuas and storm
petrels as well as rarer species such as great shearwaters, soft
plumaged petrel, Wilson’s storm petrel and albatross! Cape
Clear has always been famous for its passing seabirds and
they are monitored on a daily passage during peak the peek
migration months.
During the autumn and winter months many
wintering bird species such as light-bellied
brent geese, black-tailed godwits, dunlin, sanderling and knot
can all be easily seen along the entire coastline of Ireland, but
large estuaries provide the greatest numbers and spectacles.
THE SOUTH WEST
Cape Clear
Saltee Islands
N15
N15
N14
N13
N13
A5
N24
N18
N18
M18M18
A509A509
N4
N17
N26
N5N5
N17
LIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICKLIMERICK
CLARECLARE
GALWAYGALWAY
MAYOMAYO
SLIGOSLIGO
LEITRIMLEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORD
WEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATH
OFFALYOFFALYOFFALYOFFALY
ROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMON
DONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGAL
M8M8
BallybofeyBallybofey
GlentiesGlenties
Ardara
BelleekBelleekBelleek IrvinestownIrvinestown
ManorhamiltonManorhamilton
Dromahair
CollooneyCollooney
EaskeyEaskey
Dromore WestDromore West
CastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwin
CharlestownCharlestownCharlestown
Ballymote
TobercurryTobercurryTobercurry
FoxfordFoxfordFoxfordFoxford
Ballycastle
BangorBangor
CrossmolinaCrossmolina
Newport
Mount BellewMount Bellew
LeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaun
ClonburClonburClonbur
OughterardOughterardOughterard
ClifdenClifden
CarnaCarnaCarnaCarna
ClegganClegganClegganCleggan
RoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstone
BallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneely
RossavealRossavealRossavealRossavealRossaveal
SpiddleSpiddleSpiddleSpiddleInveranInveranInveran
LoughreaLoughreaLoughrea
PortumnaPortumnaPortumna
Athenry
DunglowDunglow
StrandhillStrandhillStrandhillStrandhill
Ballysadare
RoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommon
Killala
BelmulletBelmulletBelmulletBelmullet
KeemKeemKeem BallycroyBallycroy
MulranyMulrany
LouisburghLouisburgh
Roonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh Point
Letterfrack
Recess
CarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroe
Oranmore
BallyvaughanBallyvaughan
LisdoonvarnaDoolinDoolin
InishmoreInishmoreInishmore
BallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannon
BundoranBundoranBundoranBundoranBundoran
BallinaBallina
CastlebarCastlebar
WestportWestport
Tuam
HeadfordHeadfordHeadford
ClaremorrisClaremorris
BallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunis
LondonderryLondonderry
ListowelListowel
EnnisEnnis
Carrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-Shannon
StrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestown
SwinfordSwinfordSwinfordSwinford
LiffordLiffordLiffordLifford
ShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannon
Kilrush
LETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNY
SLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGO
DONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGAL
GALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAY
LIMERICKLIMERICK
N15
Ardara
MullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmore
GlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcille
Malin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin More
DrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliff
Ballyshannon
BundoranBundoranBundoranBundoran
KillybegsKillybegsKillybegsKillybegs
GrangeGrangeGrangeGrange
37
SOME THINGS TO DO THE WESTClare, Galway, Mayo
37
38
The highest sea cliffs in Western Europe, (Guinness
Book of Records), fall 668m to the sea at Achill Island, Co. Mayo,
while more easily accessible, but equally stunning, are those
at the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare (214m). Look out for breeding
seabirds and choughs at the Cliffs of Moher.
Visit Ballcroy National Park in Co. Mayo to see the
dramatic Nephin Mountains, blanket bog and associated wildlife.
Visit The Burren National Park in Co. Clare for the
amazing diversity of plants and butterflies.
Visit some of the fantastic lakes in the area, such as
Loughs Corrib, Mask, Carra or Conn. Take a boat trip or hire a
boat for the day to see the lakes from a different perspective.
Many of these lakes are on limestone and some, such as Lough
Mask, are surrounded by limestone pavement and calcareous
fen habitat which contain orchid species and butterflies such as
marsh fritillary.
During the spring and summer months,
thousands of breeding seabirds such as puffin, guillemot,
razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar, gannet, shags and cormorants can be
seen at numerous locations around the coast such. Some of the
biggest breeding seabird colonies in the region are located at the
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare; Loop head, Co. Clare and Downpatrick
Head, Co. Mayo.
Annagh Head and Kilcummin Head in Co. Mayo also
provide excellent sea-watching.
THE WEST
Burren National Park
Cliffs of Moher
38
393939
N15
N15
N14
N13
N13
A5
A5
N18
N15
A509A509
N4
N17
N26
N5N5
N17
A5
GALWAYGALWAY
MAYOMAYO
SLIGOSLIGO
LEITRIMLEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORD
WEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATH
OFFALYOFFALYOFFALYOFFALY
ROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMON
DONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGAL
DunfanaghyDunfanaghyDunfanaghy
CarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonagh
MalinMalinMalinMalinMalin
RathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullen
BallyliffenBallyliffenBallyliffen CuldaffCuldaff
PortsalonPortsalonPortsalonPortsalonPortsalon
Gortahork
BallybofeyBallybofey
GlentiesGlenties
Ardara
BelleekBelleekBelleek IrvinestownIrvinestown
MullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmore
ManorhamiltonManorhamilton
Dromahair
CollooneyCollooney
EaskeyEaskey
Dromore WestDromore West
CastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwin
CharlestownCharlestownCharlestown
Ballymote
TobercurryTobercurryTobercurry
FoxfordFoxfordFoxfordFoxford
Ballycastle
BangorBangor
CrossmolinaCrossmolina
Newport
Mount BellewMount Bellew
LeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaun
ClonburClonburClonbur
OughterardOughterardOughterard
ClifdenClifden
CarnaCarnaCarnaCarna
ClegganClegganClegganCleggan
RoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstone
BallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneely
RossavealRossavealRossavealRossavealRossaveal
SpiddleSpiddleSpiddleSpiddleInveranInveranInveran
LoughreaLoughreaLoughrea
PortumnaPortumnaPortumna
Athenry
DunglowDunglow
GlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcille
Malin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin More
DrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliff
StrandhillStrandhillStrandhillStrandhill
Ballysadare
RoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommon
Killala
BelmulletBelmulletBelmulletBelmullet
KeemKeemKeem BallycroyBallycroy
MulranyMulrany
LouisburghLouisburgh
Roonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh Point
Letterfrack
Recess
CarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroe
Oranmore
InishmoreInishmoreInishmore
BallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannon
BundoranBundoranBundoranBundoranBundoran
KillybegsKillybegsKillybegsKillybegs
BallinaBallina
CastlebarCastlebar
WestportWestport
Tuam
HeadfordHeadfordHeadford
ClaremorrisClaremorris
BallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunis
LondonderryLondonderry
GrangeGrangeGrangeGrange
Carrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-Shannon
StrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestown
SwinfordSwinfordSwinfordSwinford
Buncrana
MilfordMilfordMilfordMilfordMilford
LiffordLiffordLiffordLifford
PortstewartPortstewartPortstewartPortstewart
LETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNY
SLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGO
DONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGAL
GALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAYGALWAY
BunbegBunbegBunbegBunbeg
Gortahork
GweedoreGweedoreAran IslandAran IslandAran Island
SOME THINGS TO DO THE NORTH WESTSligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Donegal
39
40
PortstewartPortstewartPortstewart
Some of the highest sea cliffs in Western Europe are
located at Slieve League, Co. Donegal reaching heights of 601m.
Visit Glenveagh National Park at any time of the
year. Golden Eagles have recently been reintroduced into Ireland
and the project is based here so it is considered to be one of the
best locations in the country to see this majestic species.
County Sligo also holds a third of the national wintering
population of barnacle geese (over 3,000 birds!). This spectacular
flock can easily be observed from October to April at the
Ballygilgan National Nature Reserve (known locally as ‘The Goose
Fields’) Lissadell, Co. Sligo.
Take a trip down the Shannon on a cruiser and make a point
of slowing down and looking for wildlife.
THE NORTH WEST
Glenveagh National Park Shannon
Slieve League
40
N24
N18
N18
M18M18
N15
A509A509
N4
N17
N5
N17
LIMERICK
GALWAYGALWAY
SLIGOSLIGO
LEITRIMLEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORD
WEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATH
OFFALYOFFALYOFFALYOFFALY
ROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMONROSCOMMON
M8M8
BelleekBelleekBelleek IrvinestownIrvinestown
MullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmore
ManorhamiltonManorhamilton
Dromahair
CollooneyCollooney
EaskeyEaskey
Dromore WestDromore West
CastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwinCastlebaldwin
CharlestownCharlestownCharlestown
Ballymote
TobercurryTobercurryTobercurry
Mount BellewMount Bellew
LoughreaLoughreaLoughrea
PortumnaPortumnaPortumna
Athenry
DrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliffDrumcliff
StrandhillStrandhillStrandhillStrandhill
Ballysadare
RoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommon
Oranmore
BallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannonBallyshannon
BundoranBundoranBundoranBundoranBundoran
Tuam
BallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunis
GrangeGrangeGrangeGrange
Carrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-Shannon
StrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestown
SwinfordSwinford
ShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannon
SLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGOSLIGO
LIMERICKLIMERICK
41
SOME THINGS TO DO THE MIDLANDS AND BORDERSOffaly, Westmeath, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Cavan, Monaghan
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council has its base
at the Bog of Allen in Lullymore, Co. Kildare where there is a
Nature Centre and walks across the bog. There are many events
and activities organised throughout the year. You can also
visit Clara Bog, Co. Offaly visitor centre, where there is a new
boardwalk trail. Or simply take a walk at a bog site with good
access walkways such as The Corlea Trackway or Edenmore
Bog, in Co. Longford, and Scragh Bog in Co. Westmeath.
Lough Boora Parklands allows you to enjoy
the peatlands of the Midlands and has amenities for family
activities including cycling, fishing, sculpture trails and
birdwatching.
Visit places like Cormeen Lough in Co. Monaghan
or other wetlands to look for Ireland’s rarest insects such as
the beautiful Irish damselfly. June is the main month that Irish
damselflies are on the wing.
THE MIDLANDS AND BORDERS
Irish Damselfl y
42424242424242
LEITRIMLEITRIMCAVAN
LONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORDLONGFORD
WEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATHWEST MEATH
OFFALYOFFALYOFFALYOFFALY
RoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommonRoscommon
Carrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-ShannonCarrick-on-Shannon
StrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestownStrokestown
SOME THINGS TO DO THE EASTDublin, Meath, Louth
Watch terns and other seabirds
from east coast beaches. Five species of tern can be
found on the east coast in the summer. Ireland holds
very important breeding tern colonies. Of particular
importance in this respect is the Irish breeding
population of roseate tern, with very successful
breeding colonies at Rockabill Island, Co. Dublin.
Go bird watching on the estuaries at
Rogerstown, Co. Meath, Dundalk Bay, Co. Louth or on
Bull Island Co. Dublin.
THE EAST
Meath
43 Most mammals in Ireland are shy and many are nocturnal only. If you walk slowly, and approach quietly, you may have a better chance of noticing nature as you enjoy the magnificent landscapes.
Look out for footprints, tracks, and if you are not sure what you are
looking at, maybe take a photo of it with your phone.
www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/field_guides/animal_
tracks.shtml
www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-identify-animal-tracks-
and-trails
What to Wear?‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes’.
No matter what time of year in Ireland, you will probably be
guaranteed some sort of rain – soft, wet, lashing or maybe just a
drop. Thus – be prepared for rain at some stage. If you are planning to
stay in the West, the Atlantic influence means the weather may well be
wetter and cooler than the South East.
Suggestions – waterproof jackets and shoes.
Wetsuits can be hired in most coastal resorts and activity centres.
Midges These tiny biting insects are not known to spread disease but they
can cause severe skin reactions and intense itchiness. Not everyone
is affected but it can be unpleasant for those whose blood the insects
find particularly tasty in the Summer months especially on calm,
damp days. Cover up exposed parts of your body, or use insect
repellent available from chemists. ‘Of the 29 species of midges in
Ireland, only 6 species bite humans!’
TravellingWhen parking in remote locations, ensure your car is locked and any
valuables are hidden.
Be safe when walking outdoors. Walking Safety:
Make sure someone knows when you expect to be back. Always carry
a mobile phone.
CameraAlways have one handy for those close encounters or when you are not
sure what you are looking at! You can always check on-line later.
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
4444
RESOURCES & LINKS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT
National Parks and Wildlife Services - Information on
important sites and species, wildlife legislation and
biodiversity plans. Includes an interactive mapper
with information on designated sites and important
species; www.npws.ie
For listings of Ireland’s Blue Flag and Green Coast
Award beaches, see www.beachawards.ie
Wildlife/Biodiversity Organisations and Information
Services
An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland – holds in
trust some 10,500 acres and 47 structures in 12
counties of Ireland; www.antaisce.ie
Bat conservation Ireland – If you would like to learn
more about bats, visit; www.batconservationireland.
org/php/bats.php
BirdWatch Ireland – An NGO committed to
conservation of Ireland’s birds;
www.birdwatchireland.ie/IrelandsBirds/tabid/541/
Default.aspx
Butterfly Ireland – Butterfly distribution maps in
Ireland; www.butterflyireland.com
Crann – An NGO dedicated to planting trees and
protecting Ireland’s woodlands; www.crann.ie
Enfo – A public information service on environmental
matters; www.enfo.ie
The Golden Eagle Trust Limited; www.goldeneagle.ie
It manages reintroduction programmes for Golden
Eagles in Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal,
White-tailed Eagles in Killarney National Park, Co.
Kerry and Red Kites in Co. Wicklow, in partnership
with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Heritage Council – Independent, grant-aided body
advancing both built and natural heritage in Ireland;
www.heritagecouncil.ie
Invasive Species Ireland – Provides advice and
resources in relation to invasive species;
invasivespeciesireland.com
Irish Peatland Conservation Council – National body
concerned with the protection and promotion of
peatlands of Ireland; www.ipcc.ie
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) –
Organisation dedicated to the conservation and
research of cetaceans; www.iwdg.ie
Irish Wildflowers – Details over 800 native and
introduced wildflowers; www.irishwildflowers.ie
Irish Wildlife Trust – a conservation charity that is
committed to raising awareness of Ireland’s rich
natural heritage; www.iwt.ie
Moths Ireland – Moth information and studies in
Ireland; www.mothsireland.com
National Biodiversity Data Centre – A fully interactive
database on wildlife records in Ireland;
www.biodiversityireland.ie
Notice Nature – Ireland’s public awareness
campaign on biodiversity; www.noticenature.ie
Tree Council of Ireland – A voluntary organisation
concerned with trees in Ireland; www.treecouncil.ie
Wetlands of Ireland – www.irishwetlands.ie
Wild flowers of Ireland – A database of wildflowers;
www.wildflowersofireland.net
Woodlands – www.coillteoutdoors.ie
Activity and Recreational Information
Discover Ireland – information on tourism in Ireland;
www.discoverireland.ie
National Parks – Information on National Parks;
www.npws.ie/nationalparks
Mountain Views – A Hill walking Resource for Ireland;
www.mountainviews.ie
Amiens Street, Dublin 1
Tel: 00 353 1 8847700Fax: 00 353 1 8556821Email: [email protected]: www.failteireland.ie
Natural heritage, wildlife, biodiversity, Natural heritage, wildlife, biodiversity, whatever you want to call it, Ireland has whatever you want to call it, Ireland has it in abundance. From the vast National it in abundance. From the vast National Parks to the hidden wetlands, there is a Parks to the hidden wetlands, there is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.treasure trove waiting to be discovered.