Clare Island – OSI Discovery Series – Map No 30
Inishturk – OSI Discovery Series – Map No 37
Directions:
From Westport, take the R335 to Louisburgh, continue through the town and follow the signs to Roonagh Pier, from where the ferries to both Clare Island and Inishturk leave.
Best Time to Visit : Summer
In addition to being Ireland’s fourth and newest gannetry, the cliffs on the west and north sides of Clare Island provide breeding sites for Kittiwake, Fulmar, Guillemot, Great Black-backed Gull and Black Guillemot.
There is a very small Puffin colony, as well as a few breeding Gannets (since 1978). Red-billed Chough and Peregrine are regularly seen and there have been Corncrake reported in the past. There are also Raven, Tree Sparrow and Rock Doves.
Vertical cliffs on the far side of Inishturk offer Puffins and a good chance of viewing hunting Peregrine. Arctic and Great Skuas may be spotted.
Rare / Scarce / Unusual Birds:
Siberian Chiffchaff (Oct 2021)
Arctic Warbler (Oct 2021)
Gyrfalcon (1994 – found dead)
Black-throated Diver (1 seen off the island on March 1984)
Birdwatch Mayo 