Explore Natural Ireland - Fáilte Ireland

NaturalIRELAND

EXPLORE

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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)

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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.

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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


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





DONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGALDONEGAL

DunfanaghyDunfanaghyDunfanaghy

CarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonaghCarndonagh

MalinMalinMalinMalinMalin

RathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullenRathmullen

BallyliffenBallyliffenBallyliffen CuldaffCuldaff

PortsalonPortsalonPortsalonPortsalonPortsalon

Gortahork

BallybofeyBallybofey

GlentiesGlenties

Ardara




Dromahair

CollooneyCollooney

EaskeyEaskey




Ballymote


FoxfordFoxfordFoxfordFoxford

Ballycastle

BangorBangor

CrossmolinaCrossmolina

Newport


LeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaunLeenaun

ClonburClonburClonbur

OughterardOughterardOughterard

ClifdenClifden

CarnaCarnaCarnaCarna

ClegganClegganClegganCleggan

RoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstoneRoundstone

BallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneelyBallyconneely

RossavealRossavealRossavealRossavealRossaveal

SpiddleSpiddleSpiddleSpiddleInveranInveranInveran



Athenry

DunglowDunglow

GlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcilleGlencolmcille

Malin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin MoreMalin More



Ballysadare


Killala

BelmulletBelmulletBelmulletBelmullet

KeemKeemKeem BallycroyBallycroy

MulranyMulrany

LouisburghLouisburgh

Roonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh PointRoonagh Point

Letterfrack

Recess

CarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroeCarraroe

Oranmore

InishmoreInishmoreInishmore



KillybegsKillybegsKillybegsKillybegs

BallinaBallina

CastlebarCastlebar

WestportWestport

Tuam

HeadfordHeadfordHeadford

ClaremorrisClaremorris


LondonderryLondonderry




SwinfordSwinfordSwinfordSwinford

Buncrana

MilfordMilfordMilfordMilfordMilford

LiffordLiffordLiffordLifford

PortstewartPortstewartPortstewartPortstewart

LETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNYLETTERKENNY


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





M8M8




Dromahair

CollooneyCollooney

EaskeyEaskey




Ballymote





Athenry



Ballysadare


Oranmore



Tuam





SwinfordSwinford

ShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannonShannon


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

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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.

Explore Natural Ireland - Fáilte Ireland

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