BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county LEITRIM

County Leitrim, located in northwest Ireland, is a lesser-known but rewarding birdwatching destination due to its extensive lakelands, rivers, bogs, woodlands, and uplands. With numerous lakes like Lough Allen and Lough Scur, as well as the River Shannon and areas within the Shannon-Erne Waterway, Leitrim supports a variety of resident and migratory bird species, particularly waterfowl, waders, and woodland birds.

Lough Allen (Northern Leitrim, near Drumshanbo and Drumkeeran)

Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, seen in flocks on the lake, especially November–March.
Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck: Common wintering ducks in open waters.
Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe: Resident, breeding on the lake, visible year-round.
Goldeneye: Winter visitor, seen on open waters.
Little Egret, Grey Heron: Common along lake shores and wetlands.
Kingfisher: Resident, spotted in quieter bays and along inflowing streams.
Curlew, Snipe: Waders in lakeside marshes, best in winter and migration seasons. Lough Allen, one of Ireland’s largest lakes, is a key site for waterfowl and waders. Viewing points near Drumshanbo and Drumkeeran offer access to the lake’s shores and surrounding wetlands. Winter (November–March) is peak season for migratory waterfowl, with spring and summer good for breeding grebes and Kingfishers. The lake’s remoteness ensures quiet birdwatching opportunities.

Lough Scur and Lough Marrave (Near Carrick-on-Shannon)

Mute Swan, Greylag Goose: Resident and winter visitors, seen on lake waters and nearby fields.
Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler: Wintering ducks, common in open waters.
Coot, Moorhen: Abundant in reedbeds and lake margins.
Water Rail: Secretive, heard in reedbeds, occasionally seen in winter.
Lapwing, Golden Plover: Winter visitors, seen in wet grasslands around the lakes. Lough Scur and nearby Lough Marrave are part of the Shannon-Erne system, attracting waterfowl and wetland birds. Access points near Leitrim Village and Carrick-on-Shannon provide good views, with hides available at some locations. Winter (November–March) is best for waterfowl, with high tides concentrating birds in shallower areas.

River Shannon (Carrick-on-Shannon, Dromod, Roosky)

Dipper, Grey Wagtail: Resident along fast-flowing sections and tributaries like the River Bonet.
Kingfisher: Common along quieter river stretches, especially near Carrick-on-Shannon.
Mute Swan, Mallard: Resident, seen on the river and adjacent wetlands.
Little Egret: Increasingly common along riverbanks.
Common Sandpiper: Summer visitor, breeding along gravelly shores. The River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, runs through Leitrim’s southern border, offering excellent birdwatching along its banks and tributaries. Carrick-on-Shannon’s riverfront and quieter spots near Dromod and Roosky are ideal for spotting riverine birds. Spring and summer (March–August) are best for breeding species, with winter good for waterfowl.

Glenfarne Wood and Lough MacNean (Northern Leitrim, near Manorhamilton)

Great Spotted Woodpecker: Recent colonist, seen in mature woodlands.
Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Goldcrest: Common in mixed forests.
Jay, Chaffinch, Siskin: Resident woodland birds, active year-round.
Sparrowhawk, Buzzard: Raptors hunting in wooded and open areas.
Dipper: Found along streams flowing into Lough MacNean. Glenfarne Wood, a Coillte forest, features mixed woodlands ideal for woodland birds. Lough MacNean’s shores add waterbirds to the mix. Trails near Manorhamilton provide access, with spring (March–May) best for active songbirds and winter for raptors. The area’s tranquility enhances birdwatching experiences.

Sliabh an Iarainn and Uplands (Eastern Leitrim, near Drumshanbo)

Red Grouse: Resident in heather moorlands, though declining.
Hen Harrier: Rare, seen hunting over bogs and uplands, especially in winter.
Merlin, Kestrel: Small raptors in open upland areas.
Skylark, Meadow Pipit: Abundant in open hills, singing in spring/summer.
Raven: Common, soaring over uplands. Sliabh an Iarainn, part of Leitrim’s upland landscape, offers habitats for moorland birds. Trails and viewpoints near Drumshanbo provide access to bogs and hills. Spring and summer (March–August) are best for breeding species like Skylark, while winter is good for raptors like Hen Harrier.

Aghacashel Bog and Wetlands (Near Ballinamore)

Snipe, Jack Snipe: Skulking waders in boggy areas, best in winter.
Curlew: Breeding in wet grasslands, seen in spring/summer.
Grasshopper Warbler: Rare summer visitor, heard in scrubby bogs.
Meadow Pipit: Common in open boglands.
Buzzard: Frequently seen soaring over wetlands. Leitrim’s blanket bogs, like those near Aghacashel, support specialist wetland and bog species. Access is limited, but local paths and roads near Ballinamore offer viewing opportunities. Spring (March–May) is ideal for breeding birds like Curlew, with winter good for waders.

Lough Rynn Estate (Near Mohill, F52 RY96)

Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen: Resident on the estate’s lake.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper: Found in mature parkland trees.
Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit: Common in gardens and woodlands.
Barn Owl: Nocturnal, occasionally seen at dusk in parkland. Lough Rynn’s lake and woodlands provide a mix of waterfowl and woodland birds. The estate’s trails and gardens are accessible for casual birdwatching. Spring (March–May) is best for woodland species, with year-round opportunities for waterbirds.

Rare and Notable Sightings (Various Sites)

Green-winged Teal: Rare transatlantic vagrant, occasionally seen at Lough Allen or Lough Scur.
Corncrake: Extremely rare, historically recorded in wet grasslands near lakes.
Bittern: Rare winter visitor, occasionally in Lough Allen’s reedbeds.
Marsh Harrier: Rare, recorded over wetlands like Aghacashel Bog. Leitrim’s wetlands attract rare vagrants, particularly during autumn migration (September–November). Lough Allen and Lough Scur are key hotspots. Check www.irishbirding.com for recent records.

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring (March–May): Summer migrants like Common Sandpiper and Grasshopper Warbler arrive. Woodland birds (Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest) are active in Glenfarne Wood.
Summer (June–August): Breeding season for resident species like Dipper, Curlew, and Kingfisher. Upland birds like Skylark are vocal on Sliabh an Iarainn.
Autumn (September–November): Peak migration for waders and rare vagrants at Lough Allen and Lough Scur. Wetland sites are productive.
Winter (December–March): Best for waterfowl (Whooper Swans, Goldeneye) and waders at Lough Allen and Lough Scur. Raptors like Hen Harrier are more visible in uplands.
Conservation Context: Lough Allen and parts of the Shannon system are designated as SPAs, critical for wintering waterfowl. Species like Curlew, Corncrake, and Hen Harrier are conservation priorities due to declining populations. Report rare sightings to Irish Birding (www.irishbirding.com) (www.irishbirding.com) or BirdWatch Ireland to support monitoring efforts.

Access and Resources:

Binoculars and a telescope are recommended for lake and wetland birdwatching, especially at Lough Allen.
Check www.irishbirding.com or BirdGuides (www.birdguides.com) (www.birdguides.com) for real-time sighting updates.
Lough Allen and Lough Scur have accessible shorelines, but some bog and upland sites (e.g., Aghacashel) may require local knowledge or permission.
Waterproof clothing and sturdy boots are essential for wetland and upland areas.
BirdWatch Ireland’s Leitrim Branch or local groups may offer guided walks, though events are less frequent than in coastal counties.

Leitrim:

Leitrim is a haven of waterways and unspoilt scenery, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. Carrick-on-Shannon’s historic Costello Chapel and vibrant marina provide cultural and leisurely appeal, while Glencar Waterfall adds natural beauty. Leitrim is Ireland’s seventh smallest county by size (1,525 square km) and smallest by population (35,199). Population peaked at 155,297 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 25,057 in 1996. In terms of hospitality, Leitrim is Ireland’s 29th most visited tourist county with around 39,000 international visitors per year.

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