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Lower Galtee Mountains

Tipperary  >  Ireland

An accessible upland area where it is possible to see some of Ireland's rarest upland species while taking in breathtaking views.

Added* by Luke Lambert
Most recent update 6 декември 2024

Description

The Lower Galtee Mountains may not be as tall as nearby Galtybeg and Galtymore, but they offer a mix of habitats with a wider diversity of species presence throughout the year. At the car parks, there is a mix of decidious and coniferous woodland which is excellent for обичен ползач, сојка and Крстоклун. голем клукајдрвец has also recently colonised the area.

Above the treeline, there is a mix of blanket bog and heather/moorland. Multiple raptor species can be encountered here, including Полска еја, мал сокол, Обична (Црнонокна) ветрушка and сив сокол, particularly in the winter and spring. The area of Tullanebone Mountain is probably the best area for these species. It is also the best area for seeing and hearing Red Grouse, particularly in February and March. March is arguably the best month for a hike in this area to see all these species and there is also a chance of encountering waders such as златно блатарче, обична бекасина and мала бекасина.

In the summer, полска чучулига, ливадска трепетилка, планинско ливадарче, обично камењарче and кукавица can all be encountered. In the recently felled plantations and immature woodlands, шумска шљука can be seen roding at dusk and there is also a chance of seeing козодој which has been recorded in the area on occasion.

Details

Access

There are multiple car parks (see map) and trail options available. The best option to see the most species is to hike to Tullanebone Mountain. Some of the trails are very steep and can be slippery especially in the winter so caution is advised. There are a number of gates on the trails, please remember to close them after you.

A car is the best option for getting to the area. Buses and a train run to the nearest town in Cahir. It is possble to cycle from the town if one has a mountain bike but be prepared for some steep climbing and poor trail conditions at times.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Moors/heathland , Mountain

Conditions

Hilly , Mountainous

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Winter , Summer , Spring

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Other than birds, it is easy to see Fallow Deer in the area. Irish Hare, Pine Marten and Red Fox can also be encountered. The general area is also very good for Кукавија and one may encounter one early in the morning or late in the evening when travelling to and from the mountains.

Like any mountain, the weather can change drastically and it's important to prepare for all weather and check the forecast before going out.

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

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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