Wildlife at the Mouth of the River Shannon

Loop Head is Ireland's Aquatic Destination of Excellence, 2010. This remote and stunning peninsula offers so many opportunities to watch wildlife. It's remoteness means less tourists, which means more wildlife.

The Mouth of the Shannon is a Special Area of Conservation. Every effort is made to ensure that the dolphins are watched responsibly, following a Code of Conduct & through our own personal expertise.

The dolphins are wild animals and there is certain amount of predictability in where we locate them. Our success rate is one of the best in the world.

Calves (baby dolphins) are born each year and are often part of the groups we see.

There is a rich diversity of wildlife at the Mouth of the Shannon. Flocks of oceanic seabirds, such as, guillemots, gannets, razorbills, shearwaters and terns are often seen due to the large shoals of herrings, sprat and mackerel that follow the tidal currents into the Estuary.

Grey seals often pop up in front of caves and storm beaches. They give birth in late summer and we are privileged to witness the rapid growth of the pups from the boat.

Cormorants, shags, gulls, fulmars and others are familiar sights along the cliffs and shoreline. Cormorants and shags can be seen with wings outspread as they dry their feathers in the sun after diving for crab or small fish.

The herd of feral goats that live on Rehy Hill are another favourite site as we cruise by their cliff side sunning spots.

For further information about the wildlife at the Mouth of the Shannon, contact Geoff or Susanne Magee