OSI Discovery Series – Map No 24
G 210 380
This is an excellent site for sea watching, especially in the autumn when there is a strong northwest or west wind. This is an exposed site; so bring raingear and something to sit on.
The cliff top is not suitable for children.
Directions:
From Ballina, take the R314 through Killala, after 3.5km turn right over Palmestown Bridge, then immediately right. Travel a further 3km to Ballinlean / Kilcummin pier. The pier area can also contain unusual birds – so check it out. Then continue up the hill, taking the next right, continue up the track to the car park.
Click here for seawatching reports from 2008 :
Neighbouring Sites include:
Autumn Seawatching (especially from late August to early October):
The following can be seen if weather conditions are favourable:
• Manx, Sooty and Balearic Shearwater
• Storm & Leach’s Petrel
• Grey Phalarope
• Shag
• Arctic, Pomarine, Great and Long-tailed Skua
• Common and Arctic Tern
• Red-throated and Great Northern Diver
• Fulmar
• Sabine’s Gull
• Little Gull
• Puffin
• Little Auk
• Black Guillemot and Guillemot
Rare / Scarce / Unusual Birds:
7 Little Auk (Nov 2021)
Fea’s-type Petrel (July 2021)
Long-tailed Skua (Sept & Oct 2020)
Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Sept 2017)
Black Tern, Long-tailed Skua, Great Sheawater, Little Shearwater (1999, 2004)
Cory’s Shearwater, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Black-browed Albatross, Wilson’s Storm Petrel (1986, 2004)
Significant Reports include:
October 2008 – Maximum numbers reported
300+ Pomerarine Skua
800+ Grey Phalarope
8 Sabine’s Gulls
139 Great Skua
100 Arctic Tern
Sooty & Manx Shearwater with some Balearic
Pink-footed Goose
Little Gulls
On land – Snow Bunting
Birdwatch Mayo 