Dublin area is among Ireland's top birding destinations. Bull Island in Dublin Bay is well-known internationally for its bird sites. In winter, it hosts birds that arrive from North America and the Arctic region for winter feeding. But the most spectacular time is during late summer and early autumn when a huge number of seabirds arrive at the Irish coast.
Dublin Bay is a good site to spot cliff-nesting Black Guillemots, especially around the Howth Head during their breeding season in summer. Puffins and gannets can be spotted on Ireland's Eye island during the summer months as well.
Other birding sites near Dublin include Sandymount Strand, Booterstown Marsh, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Cabinteely and Kilbogget Parks, Kilcoole Marsh and BirdWatch Ireland's East Coast Reserve in Blackditch.
Practical info
What is the ideal season to engage in birdwatching in Dublin?
The most favorable period to participate in birdwatching in Dublin is in late summer and early autumn, from July to October, during which a substantial amount of seabirds flock to the Irish coast. Winter welcomes birds from North America and the Arctic region for feeding. The Birds including Black Guillemots can be witnessed around the Howth Head during their breeding season in summer. Puffins and Gannets also appear on Ireland's Eye island during summer. Show more
What is the geographical situation of the Bull Island?
Found at Northern Dublin City's outskirts and situated off Clontarf and Raheny, eight kilometers away from Dublin's city center. Bull Island, an internationally recognized bird site, is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. The habitat is composed of sandbanks and grasslands where rabbits and wildflowers proliferate alongside more than 250 bird species. Show more
What are some of the uncommon species of birds in Dublin?
The Great Crested Grebe is among the rare bird species sighted in Dublin Bay, alongside birds of prey varieties like Peregrine Falcons and Merlins, wildfowl species such as Brent Geese and Shelduck. On Ireland's Eye Island, Puffins and Gannets can be seen during the warm months, while Black Guillemots breed around the Howth Head, nesting along the cliffs during summer. Dublin has an impressive repertoire of more than 250 bird species. Show more
During what period is it the ideal time to witness cliff-nesting Black Guillemots in Dublin Bay?
The prime period to observe cliff-nesting Black Guillemots in Dublin Bay is during their summer breeding season, most commonly from May to July. Black Guillemots prefer rocky environments and can be observed around Howth Head cliffs, akin to their striking scarlet feet, bills and eye rings, with a black and white plumage forming a contrasting appearance. Besides, the unique courtship ritual display by Black Guillemots in Dublin Bay is a delight to watch. Show more
Besides Bull Island, what other bird-watching spots are there near Dublin?
Besides Bull Island, numerous areas in Dublin are worth exploring for bird watching, and among them include Sandymount Strand, Booterstown Marsh, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Cabinteely and Kilbogget Parks, Kilcoole Marsh, and BirdWatch Ireland's East Coast Reserve in Blackditch. Kilcoole Marsh is famous for Whiskered Terns and Little Gulls, while Booterstown Marsh is recognized for resident Lapwings and winter flocks of Golden Plover and Brent Geese. Blackditch is significant for breeding populations of several species like Hen Harrier, Corncrake, and Irish Hare's habitats. Show more
