Birding in March

We are headed to Ireland in the end of March and are interested in what are the best spots to see birds? I read that puffins return to the Cliffs of Mohr at that time of year, but I wonder if they are present in other coastal towns on the Dingle peninsula or the Ring of Kerry. Killarney and the Wicklow Mountains are also places we could stop to search, but would welcome advice on where and what to be on the lookout for. Thanks.

Hi Sheila,

You've come to a great place for birding! It is true that the Cliffs of Moher hold the only mainland colony of breeding Atlantic Puffins in Ireland where the population is increasing, but there are other places in Ireland where you can see the puffins either as they pass while migrating, or during the summer. The Dingle Peninsula has its own population of puffins resident in the summer, as does much of the West coast.

The Geoparks and nature reserves also offer an opportunity to go birding and see various kinds of Irish wildlife. The Irish Wild Bird Conservancy is a great place to start your search, and their handy thumbnail maps will make it easy to fit your travels in with the various types of birds you can see in the wild in Ireland, especially their "Where to Watch" pages.

I hope you'll come and share some of your birdwatching experiences with us!

Have a wonderful day,
Cornelia

Thank you for these helpful hints.

Hi Shelia,
The migrating sea birds begin to arrive here on the west coast of Co Clare at the end of March or early April.  Best way to see the sea birds is on any one of hourly cliff cruises that run ever hour on the hour between 12 noon and 5pm daily.  You can also take the cliffs costal walk or walk on any of the Aran Islands  where you will also be able to see many.  

And of course Birdwatch Ireland give excellent advice on spotting etc.  

Hope that helps?  All the best for a great trip.  Bill