Bird Hides Ireland
Whenever I go bird watching in Ireland, it is always a pleasant surprise if there is a bird watching hide at that particular site. It almost seems like a validation that I have come to the right place and that there will be more opportunities to see birds. The following birdwatching sites that are already featured here, have bird hides. Use the links to get further information about each location.
Turvey Nature Reserve
Turvey Nature Reserve is located in North County Dublin. It is managed by Fingal County council and it has a mix of grassland, woodland, wetland and tidal estuary. At the farthest point from the entrance there is a bird hide overlooking Rogerstown Estuary. The hide is open on Saturday and Sunday from October to March.
East Coast Nature Reserve
The East Coast Nature Reserve is located near Newcastle, County Wicklow and it is managed by Birdwatch Ireland. It is a mixed habitat park with wetlands, reedbeds and woodlands. There are two bird hides overlooking a wetland area just a few minutes walk from the entrance.
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserves is internationally known as one of the most important reserves in Europe. Each winter, thousands of wildfowl migrate here. This includes over 3,000 Greenland White Fronted Geese that arrive around October each year. The area is known as the Wexford Slobs and the habitat provides rich feeding grounds for the many birds that migrate here every year. The reserve is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and there are 3 bird hides at the visitor centre.
Lough Boora Discovery Park
Lough Boora Discovery Park in County Offaly is a reclaimed bog that has been converted into a recreation area that includes nature trails through the reclaimed bog that is now a versatile habitat for birds and wildlife. There are several bird hides in the area. Check at reception for maps or download them from the website – Lough Boora – before you travel.