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 Моевка, Глупыш, Тонкоклювая кайра and Гагарка. Северная олуша 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 Обыкновенный буревестник, Серый буревестник, Прямохвостая качурка, Северная качурка, Большой поморник, Средний поморник and Короткохвостый поморник. Regular passage migrants in autumn include Серая мухоловка, Мухоловка-пеструшка, Славка-мельничек, Луговой чекан, Садовая славка, Славка-черноголовка, Горихвостка-чернушка, Юрок, Пуночка and Лапландский подорожник.
Rare birds that have been recorded here include Садовая овсянка, Американская ржанка, Американский бекасовидный веретенник, Вертишейка, Обыкновенная чечевица, Рыжепоясничная ласточка, Ястребиная славка, Зарничка, Овсянка-крошка and Овсянка-ремез.
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.

