Best place in Ireland for wildlife watching?

cfitz

Which national parks or areas in Ireland do you consider to have the most varied/abundant wildlife? What have you seen there yourself?

Jim Martin

I know for a fact, that most of Ireland's butterflies can be found on The Burren, so it must be a valid contender as butterflies are one of the most important 'indicator species' which mark out a healthy habitat:

http://www.burrenbeo.com/

Mothman

Burren is also good for moths, though Killarney has a good list of moths as well.

V Bull

Lough Boora Parklands, Co. Offaly (N357) is great for wild flowers, insects, birds & frogs etc, and for just relaxing.

cuddlycavies

There's not much in Ireland bird or mammal that you wont find in the wicklow hills.

cfitz

cuddlycavies wrote: »

There's not much in Ireland bird or mammal that you wont find in the wicklow hills.

Any particular spots in Wicklow that you would recommend? And what might I be likely to see over the course of about say 7 visits? Mammals would be my main interest, birds of prey and other interesting creatures would be an added bonus.

I've viewed wildlife in lots of different countries but helpful information regarding Irish animals' whereabouts seems difficult to find.

cuddlycavies

I think the oaklands around Lough Tay and Lugala have everything. Havn't seen the Pine Marten there, but is probably there.

cuddlycavies

Sorry, what you might see?
Deer, red squirell,shrew,fox, badger, marten, otter, mink,hare,rabbit.
Peregrine, merlin, hen harrier, owls, woodcock,pheasant,tree creeper.

Also, if you want to see red squirels, go to lord Masseys just down from Kilkee house on hellfire hill Dublin. A walk in there will reward.

cuddlycavies

But cant promise the Pine Mater. He's my snow Leopard. Have yet to see.

magicbastarder

cuddlycavies wrote: »

I think the oaklands around Lough Tay and Lugala have everything.

how much of them are accessible?

recedite

magicbastarder wrote: »

how much of them are accessible?

Depends how much money you have...
http://www.luggala.net/

I've already been kicked out once by the gamekeeper chappie!

cfitz

cuddlycavies wrote: »

Sorry, what you might see?
Deer, red squirell,shrew,fox, badger, marten, otter, mink,hare,rabbit.
Peregrine, merlin, hen harrier, owls, woodcock,pheasant,tree creeper.

Also, if you want to see red squirels, go to lord Masseys just down from Kilkee house on hellfire hill Dublin. A walk in there will reward.

Nice one. Thanks. I live near some red squirrels so I don't need to go to Wicklow for them. Maybe I'll book into one of those cottages Recedite linked to

Have you seen badgers there? Is there any chance of spotting them at dawn or dusk rather than when it's fully dark?

cuddlycavies

Yep, have seen them. In fact if you head a mile up the road towards sally gap, you will see the diggings from a sett on the left hand side just off the road. You're never sure to see them though.