You could have a look at the Little Tern Breeding Colony at Kilcoole, south of Bray. If you can take the "Dart" (suburban train) to Bray, I´d be happy to meet you and take you to Kilcoole (about 15 minutes drive).
Ireland's Eye is the only site on the Irish East coast where Puffins breed. The next sites would be the Saltees in County Wexford.
Other interesting birding sites in and around Dublin:
-Bray Head has breeding Fulmars, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake, Shag, etc. Take the DART to Bray and walk south along the coast path.
-Dalkey Island/Coliemore Harbour: Terns breeding on a small island offshore (Arctic, Common, Roseate) with Black Guillemots resting on Harbour Wall.
-Kilcoole has breeding Little Tern, Skylark, Linnet, Reed Bunting and regularly has scarce/rare birds. Offshore Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel are regular
If you have a car, then I would recommend visiting Tacumshin Lake in County Wexford, one of the best birding sites in Ireland. The site can also be reached (with difficulty) by bus on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Dublin.
Nearby, there are regular boat trips to Great Saltee** from Kilmore Quay (leaving 11am), which offers fantastic opportunities for photographing sea birds - probably the best site "near" Dublin. Can be reached on Wednesdays/Saturdays by bus:
-Dep Dublin Busaras 06:30 (Line 2) / Arr Wexford 09:30
-Dep Wexford 10:00 (Line 383) / Arr Kilmore Quay 10:30
Return at 16:10 from Kilmore Quay to Wexford though probably better to stay overnight and get taxi back to Wexford.
**Breeding Chough, Puffin, Fulmar, all Irish Auk species, Shag, Cormorant, Gannet, etc.
@dariusz: From Bray Dart Station walk south along the beach (Strand Road) and follow the coastal path around Bray Head.
http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=53.1987321&lon=-6.0921335&z=15&l=0&m=h
The harbour also has a few interesting birds.
Coliemore is a small harbour in Dalkey. From Dalkey Dart Station walk into Dalkey village, take the 3rd right and then follow Coliemore Road to the harbour/viewpoint.
http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2752865&lon=-6.0968113&z=16&l=0&m=h
Just be aware lads that you need a license under the Wildlife act to take photos of birds on or near the nest.
Just be aware lads that you need a license under the Wildlife act to take photos of birds on or near the nest.
Hi, folks! I will be traveling to Dublin on May 12th with a tour group from Michigan, USA. Wondering what the best spots/parks for birding in the downtown area might be. We may be staying at the Belvedere Hotel or somewhere near Trinity University (not finalized yet). I'm probably the only serious birder in the group and will be limited to areas within walking distance during my free time. Working on learning the birds of the area as best I can before I arrive. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. After Dublin its on to the Giants Causeway, Belfast and then the ferry to Scotland. Hoping to add as many lifers as possible without missing the bus.