The Best Places to See Irish Wildlife

Ireland’s beautiful nature is in many places almost untouched. The perfect conditions for Irish wildlife to thrive. But what animals can you see in Ireland and where do you have to go to observe it? In this post, we’ll let you know about the best places to see Irish wildlife.

Irish wildlife - more than sheep and squirrels

So, what is Irish wildlife today? If you think about the country, the first animal that comes to mind is probably the sheep. And rightfully so, because there are almost 4 million sheep in the country. In comparison to a bit over 5 million people. About ten years ago, the sheep even outnumbered the Irish inhabitants. But only a few of the sheep are actually native and actually roam the country freely. Only the Galway and Cladoir sheep are native, for example, while most of the others come from other areas of the world and have been bred to benefit Irish farmers the most.

Next to the few Irish sheep breeds, which are pretty rare today, there are many other wild animals in Ireland: From smaller mammals like squirrels, hares (the oldest mammal in Ireland) and rabbits to otters and deer. Not to forget the many birds, including the iconic Puffin, and even sharks and whales can be seen in Irish waters. And the predators? Well, there have been brown bears and wolves in Ireland many years ago, but they are long extinct. Today, the biggest predator in the country is the badger. But there are also foxes, birds of prey and the extremely rare pine marten.

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Red deer and more in Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is home to the last remaining herd of red deer in Ireland. It consists of about 900 deer today - in 1970 there were only 100 of them left. Apart from the native deer, you can spot almost every wild animal that calls Ireland its home. And if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a pine marten in the dense woodlands of the park. For the best chances of wildlife sightings, visit early in the morning or at dusk and keep quiet to not startle the animals. When you’re visiting at dusk, make sure that you leave the park before it gets dark and you don’t get lost. 

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Birdwatching at the Saltee Islands

Just a short boat ride from Kilmore Quay, the Saltee Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise. These uninhabited islands are one of Ireland’s most important bird sanctuaries. During the spring and summer months, you’ll see puffins, gannets, razorbills, and guillemots nesting along the cliffs. When visiting, make sure to wear adequate footwear, bring your binoculars and, of course, a camera.

Lizards, butterflies and flowers at the Burren

The Burren is a truly unusual piece of nature in Ireland. The limestone landscape might seem quite barren at first, but if you look closely, you can find a whole ecosystem. Some Irish flowers can only be found in the Burren, and also Ireland’s only reptile, the common lizard, lives between the rocks. Also keep an eye out for the butterflies, goats, and hares!

The Burren is part of our day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, where you can find more wildlife like seabirds — sometimes even puffins.

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Golden eagles in Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is one of the wildest places in Ireland. It’s located in the remote Derryveagh Mountains, which make it the perfect home for the golden eagle. The eagle was reintroduced here in 2001. Until now, 46 individuals have been released and several chicks hatched since then. The park’s forests and uplands are also home to deer, otters, and peregrine falcons.

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Marine life in ​​Strangford Lough (Northern Ireland)

This sea inlet is a hotspot for marine life and migrating birds. Thousands of Brent geese and oystercatchers flock here in winter. Visitors can also spot seals quite regularly and occasionally even dolphins.

Whales, dolphins and basking sharks at the Blasket Islands

Kerry is certainly one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland and offers the most stunning views of the ocean - even from your car on a road trip. Especially the Blasket Islands, remote and uninhabited, are a superb spot to observe marine wildlife in Ireland. Here, you might spot minke whales, dolphins and even the impressive basking shark. But don’t worry, it only eats plankton and is no threat for humans or mammals in general. 

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(Almost) wild horses in Connemara National Park

Brought to Ireland by the Vikings centuries ago, Connemara Ponies as we know them today are native to Ireland and - as they name shows - to this area of the Island specifically. The sturdy horses are adapted to the region’s weather, its bogs and mountains. That’s why, even though they aren’t technically wild anymore, many Connemara ponies can be seen roaming freely in the area. 

Befitting the country’s beautiful landscapes, Irish wildlife has a lot to offer - wherever you go. From the coasts and their marine wildlife to the many national parks with their woodlands, mountains and bogs, Ireland offers great living conditions for many animals. And great conditions for you to see them. Always keep in mind, however, to stay at a safe distance from the animals, to not startle them and to keep the nature clean while traveling. That way, we all can protect this beautiful, diverse wildlife for years to come.

Source Header photo: Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash