Bird watching

Birdwatchers from near and far flock to Clare which has an international reputation for the numbers of rare species that pass through these parts. Expect excellent views of breeding seabirds such as kittiwakes, puffins, razorbills, fulmars and guillemots all along the cliffs of the west coast. Ballyvaughan Bay is good for wildfowl, waders, divers, ringed plover, oystercatcher and terns. The best place in Ireland to see large numbers of purple sandpipers, turnstones, sanderlings and ringed plover is at Lurgan Bay, south west of Quilty and at the south west tip of Clare is the spectacular Loop Head Peninsula, where great numbers of skuas, storm petrels and shearwaters can be seen flying past.

The best place for birdwatching in Clare are the Bridges of Ross on Loop Head Peninsula. The Keating family who do not only own the land around this scenic area also run a vern nice B&B nearby, Anvil Farm, a favourite place to stay for birdwatchers from all over the world. Click here to find out more.