The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along Ireland’s west coast from the Inishowen Peninsular in County Donegal to the north, down to Kinsale in County Cork in the south.
It offers nature lovers 1,600 miles of beautiful coastal walks, fascinating rock formations and diverse wildlife.
Now, that summer is not so far away – and the late spring bank holidays are even closer, this is the perfect time of year to discover some of the many species of birds, insects, mammals and flowers that the Wild Atlantic Way is home to.
How to go wildlife watching
There are many different ways to enjoy discovering wildlife on the Wild Atlantic Way this spring and summer.
From organised wildlife tours to solo walks and rides, the spectacular scenery will reveal plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.
Besides the far-reaching ocean and coastal pathways, you can explore sand dunes, mud flats, wooded areas, forests and farmlands.
Bring appropriate clothing and shoes – western Ireland can still be fairly chilly even in April and May.
Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, as well as some wildlife books or website addresses so you can identify what you see.
Seas and skies
Ireland’s west coast is a great place to spot some exciting sea life.
Certain cliff-top viewpoints can be ideal for watching dolphins, seals and even the odd whale if the conditions are right.
Marine birds are common too, including gannets, shearwaters, oystercatchers, terns and gulls.
Other avian visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way include kingfishers, ravens, kestrels, sparrowhawk and falcon. They share the skies with a myriad of butterflies, bees, dragonflies and moths.
Always look up as you walk along (taking care not to trip over a stray low-lying branch, of course) to see what you can discover flying freely around you and above.
If you head out for a walk after dark, you may be able to hear bats whizzing around overhead.
Plants and flowers
Ireland’s floral symbol is the shamrock, and this pretty plant can be seen growing in many places all over the island.
The three-leaved clover shape was said to have helped St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to explain the story of the Ho
Mammals
There are many beautiful mammals that are native to Ireland and can be spotted along the west coast.
Some particularly striking examples include red foxes, red squirrels, Irish hares, badgers, seals and red deer.
You might also spot the odd feral goat if you are lucky – these intriguing creatures roam freely in several places, including the aptly named Goat Island at Roaringwater Bay, West Cork. Their impressive horns make them easy to identify, even in silhouette.
Even if you don’t spot the mammals themselves – some can be quite shy – they often leave behind tracks and other signs of their presence in the area.
Tread gently and go slowly if you don’t want to disturb these easily-spooked wild mammals.
Your patience may well be rewarded by some truly magnificent sights as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
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