Top Irish spots to experience the magical dawn chorus
Ireland is a special place to experience one of nature’s most enchanting natural phenomena – the dawn chorus.
Killarney National Park, Co Kerry
With its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, the island of Ireland is a favourite for birdwatchers, but it is also a magical place for anyone to hear the wonderfully uplifting sound of birds welcoming a new day. Spring and summer are the best times to witness the dawn chorus and in Ireland there are three stand-out places to enjoy it.
The serene lakes, ancient woodlands and majestic mountains of this beautiful 10,000-hectare park are home to a variety of bird species including robins, thrushes, blackbirds, barn owls, the majestic white-tailed sea eagle and striking kingfishers.
In fact, between the residents and migratory visitors, more than 140 bird species have been recorded in the park, enough to create quite a symphony of song as dawn breaks. As Killarney National Park is open 24 hours a day to pedestrians, early risers can enjoy a peaceful walk through this stunning countryside while being serenaded by nature’s chorus.
Later in the day you can explore the park’s scenic walking and cycling trails, such as the popular Torc Waterfall Trail and the Kerry Way, or enjoy a boat tour on the Lakes of Killarney for superb views of the landscape and opportunities for wildlife watching.
To discover the area’s rich heritage, take a guided tour of imposing Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane or visit Muckross House and gardens for a glimpse into Ireland's 19th-century history. The visitor centre near Muckross House offers insights into the park’s history and conservation efforts.
Killarney National Park is also perfect for scenic drives and is famous for the spectacular Ring of Kerry, a 180km looped route around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Glendalough Monastic Site, Co Wicklow
To hear the dawn chorus in a place of deep spiritual significance head to Glendalough, a stunning valley in the Wicklow Mountain National Park, where the remains of a sixth-century monastic site can be explored. Noted for its tranquillity, Glendalough is a jewel of Ireland’s Ancient East and a perfect place to experience the joy of birdsong.
Surrounded by a variety of habitats, from woodlands to wetlands, the valley is home to multiple species of birds and among the songsters you will hear are the chiffchaff, song thrush and willow warbler. Listening to these soul-stirring sounds while strolling through the early Christian site with its impressive round tower, cathedral and St Kevin’s Church is an experience that will stay long in the memory.
The area also has great hiking trails like the Spinc and the peaceful Lower Lake Walk. To spend some time birdwatching or to get some fabulous photos of the gorgeous landscape, hike to the Upper Lakes. The Glendalough Visitor Centre on site gives information about the area's history and wildlife.
After an early start and an afternoon hike, the charming Wicklow Heather restaurant and pub, just four minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from Glendalough, is a welcoming spot to relax and refuel.
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Bird of Prey, The Burren, Co Clare
The vast limestone pavements of the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark, have created a place of elemental beauty unlike anywhere else. The lunar-like landscape has a fascinating flora with plants normally found in widely separate parts of the continent growing alongside each other.
Within the Burren National Park, some 95 species of bird have been recorded including ravens, peregrine falcons, kestrels, merlin and hen harriers. It is ideal for those seeking a less-crowded and expansive setting to enjoy the dawn chorus which here features a mix of upland and coastal bird species, such as skylarks and meadow pipits.
The famous Cliffs of Moher are also part of the same global geopark and for those interested in seabirds it is a wonderful place to spot guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars. A visit to the cliffs at dawn also avoids the crowds and is a memorable experience that combines birdsong with the sound of waves and the sight of the rising sun lighting up the Atlantic.