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Loop Head

Co Clare  >  Ireland

This headland on the north side of the mouth of the River Shannon is a brilliant place to see seabirds all year round.

Added* by Dave Schmitt
Most recent update 21 ноември 2023

Description

Loop Head is bordered on one side by the River Shannon estuary and on the other by the Atlantic Ocean. The headland is marked by a prominent lighthouse. Loop Head is a brilliant place to see seabirds all year round. In spring and summer there is a good chance of seeing special birds and large numbers. Seabirds that breed here each summer include тропрст галеб, Northern Fulmar, Common Guillemot and Razorbill. Northern Gannet feed off Loop Head.

Autumn is the best time of year to visit the headland due to the autumn passage of an amazing array of seabirds, waders and passerines. Late July to early November are the most productive months when West and NW winds blow many of the passing seabirds close to shore, so allowing excellent viewing. Seabirds regularly seen here in good numbers include Мал завој, Sooty Shearwater, Мала бурница, Leach's Storm Petrel, Great Skua, поморник and арктички поморник. Regular passage migrants in autumn include сиво муварче, црноглаво муварче, Lesser Whitethroat, обично ливадарче, градинарско грмушарче, црноглаво грмушарче, циганче, северна ѕвингалка, Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting.

Rare birds that have been recorded here include градинарска стрнарка, American Golden Plover, Long-billed Dowitcher, вртивратка, Common Rosefinch, Пештерска (Црвенкаста) ластовица, дамчесто грмушарче, Yellow-browed Warbler, мала стрнарка and Rustic Bunting.

Details

Access

Loop Head is located in Kilbaha South, Co. Clare. If driving from Shannon Airport allow more than 90 minutes. If driving from Ennis, allow more than 80 minutes. If driving from Kilrush, allow more than 40 minutes. You can park for free at the lighthouse. Click on the P in the map for directions.

Terrain and Habitat

Canyon/cliff , Sea

Conditions

Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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