Wildlife at the Mouth of the River Shannon

Special Area of Conservation

& European Destination of Excellence 2010

Loop Head is Ireland's Aquatic Destination of Excellence, 2010. This remote and stunning peninsula offers so many opportunities to watch wildlife. It's remoteness means less tourists, which means more wildlife.

The Mouth of the Shannon is a Special Area of Conservation. Every effort is made to ensure that the dolphins are watched responsibly, following a Code of Conduct & through our own personal expertise.

The dolphins are wild animals and there is a certain amount of predictability in where we locate them. Our success rate is one of the best in the world.

Calves (baby dolphins) are born each year and are often part of the groups we see.

Eco-Diversity

There is a rich diversity of wildlife at the Mouth of the Shannon. Flocks of oceanic seabirds, such as, guillemots, gannets, razorbills, shearwaters and terns are often seen due to the large shoals of herrings, sprat and mackerel that follow the tidal currents into the Estuary.

The herd of feral goats that live on Rehy Hill are another favourite site as we cruise by their cliff side sunning spots. Although they are not protected under law, they do a valuable service keeping the grass and shrubbery short on this wild hill so that predators such as birds of prey, foxes and badgers can find food.

Seals

Grey seals often pop up in front of caves and storm beaches. They give birth in late summer and we are privileged to witness the rapid growth of the pups from the boat.

Seabirds

Cormorants, shags, gulls, fulmars and others are familiar sights along the cliffs and shoreline. Cormorants and shags can be seen with wings outspread as they dry their feathers in the sun after diving for crab or small fish. Guillemots, Raorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes nest along the coast on rugged ledges. During the season, we watch the progression from nest building to fledging to fishing lessons in this remarkable habitat.

Whale Watching

Loop Head is an excellent venue for whale sightings in late summer, early autumn. The most common species seen are Minke and Fin Whales. Join us on a Whale Watching expedition this year.

For further information about the wildlife at the Mouth of the Shannon, contact Geoff or Susanne Magee