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 Pescăruș cu trei degete, Fulmar, Alcă nordică and Alcă atlantică. Corb de mare 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 Ielcovan atlantic mic, Ielcovan brun, Furtunar comun, Leach's Storm Petrel, Lup de mare atlantic, Lup de mare and Lup de mare mic. Regular passage migrants in autumn include Muscar sur, Muscar negru, Silvie mică, Mărăcinar mare, Silvie de zăvoi, Silvie cu cap negru, Codroș de munte, Cinteză de iarnă, Pasărea omătului and Presură de tundră.
Rare birds that have been recorded here include Presură de grădină, Ploier auriu american, Sitar de nămol cu cioc lung, Capîntortură, Mugurar roșu, Rândunică roșcată, Silvie porumbacă, Pitulice cu sprânceană galbenă, Presură mică and Presură de pădure.
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.

