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Ireland's Eye is a small island lying just north of Howth. In summer it is
home to large numbers of breeding seabirds including Irelands newest
Gannet colony. The only access to Ireland’s Eye is by a regular small boat
service that runs during the summer months from the west pier in Howth
Harbour. The landing point is on the north side of the island, close to
the Martello Tower. From here follow the narrow, path that runs along the
north end of the island from which there are several excellent vantage
points that give good view over the cliffs. The area at the back of the
Martello Tower is the best area to see Puffin in summer. Care should be
taken to avoid walking on eggs and chicks as this path leads through a
colony of Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. At the highest point of
the island is a sea stack just offshore that holds breeding auks and
Gannets. From here a path continues south and eventually leads to the
beach on the west side of the island. This then brings you back to the
Martello Tower. Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers nest on the beach so
care should be taken to avoid nests when walking the beach.
It is
always worth asking the boatman to bring the boat around the island on the
return journey. This provides excellent views of the breeding seabird
cliffs and the Gannet colony. It should be noted that the paths on
Ireland’s Eye are frequently overgrown by bracken in summer and that in
wet weather, the cliff paths can be quite unsafe.
Birds
found on Ireland’s Eye
Seabirds found
here in summer include Fulmar, Cormorant, Shag, Gannet, Lesser
Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake,
Guillemot, Razorbill, Black Guillemot and Puffin. Sedge Warblers and
Whitethroats
also breed on the island while offshore
Sandwich, Common and
Arctic Terns are found. Manx Shearwaters are often found in large numbers
in late summer on the sea behind the island. Oystercatcher and Ringed
Plover breed on the beaches. In winter Greylag Geese are occasionally
found here. |
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