We’re just back from a journey to the Saltee Islands in Co. Wexford. The islands are home to some of Ireland’s largest sea-bird colonies. Many of the birds on the island are relatively rare on the mainland.
After a mad morning dash through south Wexford, we took the boat from Kilmore Quay at 11.00. A small group of day trippers accompanied us on our journey. We travelled there on a powerful motor boat, transferring to a dingy in order to reach the shore.
There are some very bizarre statues and monuments on the main island, built by “Prince Michael the First”, the first owner of the place. There is even a stone ceremonial throne behind the family home. The Saltee Islands have their own flag and coat of arms, but perhaps rumours of a secession from the Irish Republic are premature.
The Great Saltee is home to large colonies of gannets, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. Puffins, coromorants, shags, fulmars, choughs, herring gulls and black-backed gulls were also commonplace around the island. The largest colony of gannets is at the far western end of the island and, incredibly, you can walk right up beside these large birds. They appear unperturbed by humans, despite the fact that they are all looking after chicks of various different ages and sizes. Not so the black backed gulls. Come close to a nest and you will be swooped on by an anxious parent until you leave the immediate area.
The seas were dotted with seabirds of all shapes and sizes and every now and again large seals could be seen diving in the numerous inlets. Why the seals appear here in such numbers, I have no idea.
We spent a lot of time walking along the southern coastline, taking in the sights and sounds. July is a great time to go as most birds are still nesting and chicks are in their abundance.
Our trip lasted from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm. The five hours go by very quickly. For birders and non-birders alike it’s a great place to go for a day trip.
Photos by Claudia Wagner
Great photos you’ve got there Colm. Trips like that are SO worth the effort!
Thanks Ben. I can’t claim ownership as my own camera is knackered, but tthe photos taken by Claudia are fantastic. This is only a tiny sample.
Oh, I am so envious of that trip. It looks marvellous. And I love seabirds!
I’d say the seals were there for the same reason as the birds – lots of lovely fish to eat.
It’s a really wonderful place. I had this silly idea that such bird colonies would be commonplace around the Irish coast. Maybe a long time ago..
They seemed to spend their time looking at us humans. My pet theory is that they were tourists, checking out the strange looking naked apes.
Looks beautiful! Will be heading there sometime soon
Another good source for information on the Saltees is @carrigman. He’s been there quite a few times. I now understand why.
Hello there, I am currently in Cork and looking to go to the Saltees but I have not been able to find any ferry info about how to get to the island. Could you please enlighten me? Thanks heaps, Pat. samba_axe@hotmail.com
Hi Pat,
Sure. The person who brings people to and from the island is Declan Bates. It’s best to ring him a few days in advance to get an idea of whether he will be able to sail on that day and if he is already fully booked. You will find some contact information here. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=53272577
Cheers
Oh wow, what an amazing place, and your photos are incredible. I only just learnt about the Saltees, and now I’m so keen to go- pity I’m in Australia with no imminent plans to go to Ireland. I will definitely keep this place in mind.