BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county GALWAY

County Galway, located on Ireland’s west coast, is a prime birdwatching destination due to its diverse habitats, including Atlantic coastlines, islands, lakes, bogs, and woodlands. Its position along the Wild Atlantic Way and proximity to Galway Bay and the Aran Islands makes it ideal for observing seabirds, waterfowl, waders, and migratory species, including rare vagrants.

Galway Bay (Including Nimmo’s Pier and Mutton Island)

Galway Bay, encompassing coastal areas like Salthill, Nimmo’s Pier, and the causeway to Mutton Island, is a key site for seabirds, waders, and waterfowl, particularly in winter. It’s part of a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Brent Goose: Large wintering flocks, seen feeding on eelgrass at Nimmo’s Pier or Rusheen Bay from October to March.
Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler: Common winter waterfowl, visible in wetlands near Nimmo’s Pier or along the Salthill promenade.
Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver: Winter visitors, often seen offshore from Nimmo’s Pier or Mutton Island causeway.
Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank: Winter waders, feeding on mudflats at Rusheen Bay or Nimmo’s Pier at low tide.
Sandwich Tern, Common Tern: Summer visitors (April–August), often seen diving in the bay or roosting near Mutton Island.
Gull Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and rare winter visitors like Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at Nimmo’s Pier or Galway Docks.
Kingfisher: Occasionally spotted along quieter shores near Nimmo’s Pier or Rusheen Bay.
Rare Vagrants: Species like Forster’s Tern, Wilson’s Phalarope, and American Wigeon have been recorded in Galway Bay, especially during autumn migration.
Viewing Tips: Park at Nimmo’s Pier or Salthill promenade and scan the bay with binoculars or a telescope. Visit at low tide for waders and in winter for divers and geese. Check the Irish Birding website for recent sightings.

Inishmore (Aran Islands)

The largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore is a Special Protection Area (SPA) known for its seabird colonies, limestone cliffs, and rare migrants, accessible by ferry from Rossaveal or Doolin.

Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot: Breeding colonies on western cliffs from April to August, best seen from cliff paths or boat trips.
Kittiwake, Fulmar: Common breeding seabirds, visible on cliffs during summer.
Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel: Summer seabirds, best seen during seawatching from the island’s western edge in late summer.
Chough: Resident, often seen feeding in grassy areas with their red beaks, year-round.
Corncrake: Rare summer visitor, occasionally heard in meadows from April to July, though sightings are difficult due to their secretive nature.
Migrant Passerines: Wheatear, Willow Warbler, and Sedge Warbler pass through in spring and autumn, often in scrub or gardens.
Rare Vagrants: Inishmore has hosted species like Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper during autumn migration.
Viewing Tips: Walk cliff paths on the western side for seabirds and listen for Corncrake in meadows. Autumn (September–October) is best for vagrants. Ferries run daily, but check schedules and bring a spotting scope.

Lough Corrib

Ireland’s second-largest lake, Lough Corrib is an SPA and a haven for waterfowl, particularly in winter, with surrounding woodlands and wetlands adding diversity. Key viewing areas include Annagh and Angliham.

Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, seen in large numbers on the lake or nearby wetlands from November to March.
Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye: Common winter waterfowl, visible on open water or near reedbeds.
Great Crested Grebe: Breeds in summer, seen year-round from lakeside paths or boat trips.
White-tailed Eagle: Reintroduced to Ireland, occasionally spotted soaring over the lake or near Annagh, especially in spring.
Little Egret: Increasingly common in wetlands around the lake, particularly in winter.
Coot, Moorhen: Abundant in reedbeds, visible year-round from lakeside trails.
Woodland Birds: Surrounding areas like Annagh Wood host Jay, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, and Blackcap in spring and summer.
Viewing Tips: Access via public paths near Annagh or Angliham, or take a boat tour for closer views. Winter is best for waterfowl, while spring offers woodland species. Check with local guides for eagle sightings.

Connemara National Park

Located in western Galway, this 2,000-hectare park features bogs, heaths, and mountains, ideal for upland and bogland birds. It’s a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Merlin: Small falcon, often seen hunting over bogs or heaths in spring and autumn.
Peregrine Falcon: Nests in mountain crags, visible soaring over the Twelve Bens or Diamond Hill.
Golden Plover: Breeds in summer, seen on open boglands or grassy slopes.
Skylark, Meadow Pipit: Common in open areas, singing in spring and summer from trails like the Diamond Hill Loop.
Red Grouse: Resident in boglands, more visible during spring displays.
Cuckoo: Spring visitor, heard calling in woodlands or bogs from April to June.
Viewing Tips: Start at the visitor center in Letterfrack for trail maps. Walk the Diamond Hill or Ellis Wood trails for upland species. A telescope is useful for distant raptors.

Rahasane Turlough

A seasonally flooded wetland near Craughwell, Rahasane Turlough is Ireland’s most important turlough for wintering waterfowl, designated as an SPA.

Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler: Thousands winter here, visible from November to March.
Lapwing, Golden Plover: Large flocks in winter, feeding on wet grasslands.
Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit: Common winter waders, seen on flooded areas.
Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan: Winter visitors, often in large groups.
Hen Harrier: Occasionally hunts over the turlough, identifiable by its low, gliding flight.
Rare Vagrants: American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal have been recorded during winter.
Viewing Tips: View from the R347 road or nearby paths, but avoid entering the turlough to prevent disturbance. Winter visits at dawn or dusk maximize sightings. Binoculars are essential.

Inishbofin

A small island off Connemara, accessible by ferry from Cleggan, Inishbofin is an SPA known for seabirds and rare migrants.

Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot: Breeding colonies on cliffs, visible from April to August.
Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel: Summer seabirds, best seen during seawatching in late summer.
Corncrake: Rare summer visitor, heard in meadows from April to July.
Chough: Resident, feeding in grassy areas year-round.
Migrant Passerines: Whinchat, Stonechat, and Wheatear pass through in spring and autumn.
Rare Vagrants: American Robin, Blackpoll Warbler, and Red-backed Shrike have been recorded in autumn.
Viewing Tips: Walk coastal paths or join guided birdwatching tours offered by locals. Autumn is prime for vagrants, and summer is best for seabirds. Check ferry schedules in advance.

Oranmore and Roscam Point

Coastal areas near Galway City, part of Galway Bay, offering easy access for urban birdwatchers.

Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover: Common on rocky shores and beaches, especially in winter.
Little Egret: Frequently seen in wetlands or along the shore at Roscam Point.
Brent Goose: Winter flocks, often feeding near Oranmore’s coast.
Turnstone, Dunlin: Waders visible at low tide on rocky or sandy shores.
Mediterranean Gull: Occasional winter visitor, mixed with common gulls like Black-headed Gull.
Viewing Tips: Park near Oranmore or Roscam Point and walk coastal paths. Low tide is best for waders, and winter maximizes waterfowl sightings.

Coole Park Nature Reserve

A 400-hectare reserve near Gort with woodlands, turloughs, and lakes, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Jay, Sparrowhawk: Common in woodlands, seen year-round but more active in spring.
Blackcap, Chiffchaff: Summer breeding warblers, heard singing in woodlands from April to August.
Water Rail: Secretive, found in reedbeds near the lake, best heard in spring.
Mallard, Moorhen: Common in the lake and turlough areas year-round.
Little Grebe: Present in the lake, visible in summer and winter.
Viewing Tips: Use the reserve’s trails and hides for close views. Spring and summer are best for woodland birds, while winter suits waterfowl.

Galway:

Galway offers a delightful mix of cultural heritage and coastal beauty, with Galway City’s Latin Quarter showcasing historic streets and traditional music venues. The Connemara National Park provides hiking trails through rugged mountains and bogs, while the Aran Islands offer ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa. Other favourite stop is ithe Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian gardens and coastal cliffs. Galway is Ireland’s second largest county by size (5,939 sq km) and fifth largest by population (277,737). Population peaked at 440,198 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 148,340 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Galway is Ireland’s third most visited tourist county with around 1,028,000 international visitors per year.

Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable –Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –