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Incredible wildlife, incredible offer: Ireland’s Wild South Coast

Fin whales: regulars off Ireland's wild south coast!
A pair of fin-whales surfacing against the backdrop of Ireland’s Wild South Coast.

See whales and dolphins from shore on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

The south coast of Ireland is a magical place for wildlife enthusiasts. Breathtaking locations, some of the best marine and coastal wildlife Europe has to offer and that legendary hospitality for which the Irish are world-renowned. Put it all together and you have the perfect destination for a wildlife holiday to remember.

Our signature Ireland’s Wild South Coast 5 night/6 day wildlife holiday from 26-31 August 2018 takes in the stunning West Cork stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. A two-centre holiday based in Rosscarbery (3 nights) and Glengarriff (2 nights) this small group wildlife adventure (2-guides and a maximum of 12 guests) takes in the very best the region has to offer.

What could we see?

Breaching humpback whale Ireland

Short beaked common dolphin
Short-beaked common dolphins are a staple off the Irish south coast.

Highlights in late August include world-class whale and dolphin watching just off-shore: harbour porpoise, common dolphin, minke whale and the mighty fin whale all frequent the area at this time of year… and while they’re less predictable there’s always the possibility of humpbacks.

It’s a good time for seabird passage too — and the Irish south coast is a fantastic place to witness movement of large numbers of Manx, Sooty, Great and Cory’s Shearwater, along with several Skua species, European and possibly Wilson’s storm petrel and the potential for a rare encounter with a Fea’s-type petrel.

Great Shearwater
Seabirds like this great shearwater are regular visitors off Ireland’s south-west coast in autumn.

As well as watching from some of Europe’s best land-based vantage points for marine wildlife, weather permitting we’ll head out onto the Atlantic with Ireland’s longest established dedicated whale-watching operator, Colin Barnes of Cork Whale Watch, for a closer look at the incredible wildlife off the Irish south coast.

Back on land, August is a key time for migrating waders — with large numbers of common waders stopping off to refuel on the Irish coast as they pass through, with a chance of rarer species, including American waders turning up. We’ll also visit Cape Clear Island — a place of almost mythical reputation in birding circles — with excellent wildlife watching and birding opportunities both from the ferry and on the island itself, where we’ll visit the bird observatory, look for early autumn migrants, and include a seawatch from an island headland for passing seabirds and cetaceans.

Late summer is also a great time for insects like butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and moths, with multiple species on the wing.

Irish Stoat
An Irish stoat out and about in broad daylight

Land mammals are unpredictable, encounters often fleeting, but possible species include red fox, badger, rabbit, Irish hare, hedgehog, stoat, otter, red squirrel and pine marten, while both grey and common seals are seen regularly on all our tours.

Where does the tour leave from?

Our Ireland’s Wild South Coast tour departs from and returns to a central meeting point in Cork City. We’ll collect you at a pre-arranged time on Day 1 and will return you to Cork on Day 6.

Cork has excellent national and international transport links and accommodation options, so there’s plenty of flexibility in terms of getting to and from the meeting point.

What’s included?

Northern Gannet
Gannets… our largest seabird… can be seen quite close to shore diving en-masse into shoals of fish.

Your Ireland’s Wild South Coast tour includes:

  • Transport in comfortable mini-bus from collection on Day 1 to drop-off on Day 6.
  • The services of 2 professional wildlife guides throughout your tour
  • Accommodation in comfortable hotels with a wide range of facilities (2 centre holiday based in Rosscarbery and Glengarriff).
  • Breakfast every morning and all but one evening meal (we leave one night for you to make your own arrangements to sample local fayre).
  • Additional ferry/entry fees.

A very special offer

Egret fishing

For a limited time, we’re offering a very special deal for this unique Irish wildlife holiday. Book before the end of May with a 20% deposit, and we’ll give you a discount of €250 per person off the regular list price.

For more information and to book your place at this very special price please visit the Ireland’s Wild South Coast page on our dedicated Wildlife Tours website. But hurry — places are limited and the reduced price is only available until the end of May.

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