The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are home to a variety fascinating species. The largest colony of nesting seabirds on mainland Ireland can be found here. The area was designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protected Area (SPA) as well as a Refuge for Wildlife under the EU Bird Directive of 1979 and the EU Habitats Directive of 1992.

A total of 9 different kinds of species of nesting seabirds are present including guillemot, razorbill, puffin, kittiwake and fulmar.

You will also find a huge variety of marine life including humpback whales, basking sharks, dolphins, seals, otters, as well as a wide variety of fish off the coast of the cliffs. The cliffs edges and inaccessible ledges are home to rare lichens, grasses and other flora.

The Burren

There is nothing quite like the Burren for ecology and diversity. Over 70% of Irelands ative species of flora can be found at the Burren. Its support's a huge variety of species including orchids in its vast limestone areas. 23 of the 27 Orchid species can be found here!

The Burren covers more than 30,000 hectares and has been designated as a special area of conservational importance to the region.

The month of May is one of the best months to see Burren flora. Among the destinctive plants in the uplands are mountain avens, which can be seen from May onwards, Bloddy cranesbill, and spring gentian, which begins to appear significantly in April. All of these species apart from being very beautiful are of significant scientific interest. Spring gentian is a surprise to find it at sea level as it is found in alpine regions. Mountain Avens is an arctic-alpine plant, and usually more common in icy conditions and is thought to have been in the Burren since the last ice age brought by glaciers.

Feral goats, foxes, and hares are the most common animals found in the Burren uplands, with rabbits once common but now much less so. The number of feral goats currently present is estimated to number over one thousand.

Badgers, stoats, voles, and the favourite , the rat , are also found in the Burren, but the most renowned animal must be the pine martin. The area is considered the stronghold of this once threatened species.

 

 

Book Your 1 Day Cliffs of Moher Tour Online Now!