the must-see wildlife of ireland

the pine marten

Pine martens are shy nocturnal creatures so can be difficult to spot. They’ll usually make their homes in old tree holes or squirrel nests, so keep your eyes on the trees. But with enough patience, these critters can be spotted throughout the year. You may even hear their shrill cat-like mating calls in the summer months. Spotting a pine marten: 

• Chestnut brown with a small ‘bib’ under their chins 
• Long bushy tails

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red deer

The largest land mammal found in Ireland, the red deer is considered native, particularly ones found in the Killarney region. A lot of work has been done by the Irish Deer Society to bring these national animals back from the brink of extinction. With some males weighing as much as 220kg, these impressive animals are easiest to see during the ‘rut’ in September and October. Spotting red deer: 

• Reddish-brown coat with occasional spots along the side during summer
• Cream underbelly 
• Dark stripe going up the tail and along the spine 
• Dark brown/grey shaggy, thick winter coat

connemara ponies 

Originating from the region of the same name in County Galway, it’s rumoured these majestic ponies were first brought to Ireland by the Vikings. Standing at around 148cm when fully grown, you can still find a herd of wild Connemara ponies in the National Park. Spotting a Connemara pony: 

• Grey, black
• Shorter legs than other breeds

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bottlenose dolphins

These highly social, intelligent animals can be spotted on a range of boating trips along the coast of Ireland. Carrigaholt on the Loop Head Peninsula is home to a conservation area for Europe’s largest group of bottlenose dolphins. Sightings tend to be at their highest from April to October. Spotting Bottlenose Dolphins:

• Can measure up to 3.8m long 
• Short, stubby beak and curved dorsal fin 
• Gun-metal grey

minke whales 

Often mysterious and timid, minke whales are usually spotted around the southwest of Ireland from spring to early winter – where they eat a lot of the shoaling fish. Wary of boats, these whales will tend to breach more commonly in choppier waters, so make sure you have your sea legs at the ready. Spotting a Minke whale: 

• Can be up to 10m in length
• White ‘armbands’ around flippers that are often visible from above the water 
• Black with a white underside

Photo by Rowan Simpson on Unsplash

Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash

humpback whales 

As many as 92 individual humpback whales have been recorded off the coasts of Ireland in the last three decades. Many of them return to the same areas on an annual basis. Sightings are particularly high during July, August and September.  Known for their spectacular breaches, these magnificent whales are a welcome addition to the Irish coast. Spotting a humpback whale: 

• As long as 17m in length
• Elongated flippers (could be as much as a third of their total length)
• Sensory bumps (or Tubercles) around their heads 

peregrine falcon

A large and powerful bird, the peregrine falcon has recovered well after human persecution had disastrous effects on their numbers. Spotted around Ireland all year round, these exceptional predators are swift and agile hunters, feeding on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and small ducks. Spotting a Peregrine falcon: 

• Broad wings and a short tail 
• A characteristic ‘moustache’ that contrasts with their white face
• Black, grey and white feathers

Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash

Photo by Mark van Jaarsveld on Unsplash

puffins

Scattered across the west coast of Ireland, puffins are usually found in large colonies. A summer visitor, these plucky little birds are often seen between April and September. While you’re out puffin watching, you may also spot the similar species of Guillemots and Razorbills. Spotting a puffin:

• Black and white feathers with a distinctive multi-coloured bill
• Only about 12 inches in length
• Will be more dull in colour outside the breeding season – almost unrecognisable!

golden eagles

After the successful reintroduction of the spectacular golden eagle to Ireland, these large birds now have red conservation status – meaning it’s considered a rare species and in need of ongoing conservation efforts. With a wingspan of up to 2.2m, these massive predators will mostly feed on other small birds or mammals such as hares, rabbits and even foxes. Spotting a golden eagle:  

• Mostly dark brown with a golden head and neck plumage
• Can be almost a meter long
• Younger birds will have white patches at the end of their tails and wings

Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash