Wildlife Sites 

A. Clew Bay Islands:

Winter refuge for a flock of 200 Barnacle geese who breed in Greenland and graze the islands during the winter.

B. Bertra Bay:

Important tidal wetland for bird species of the Wader family. Also visited by the Brent goose and Shelduck.

C. Murrisk Abbey:

A pair of Choughs has bred in the past in the ruins of the Abbey.

D. Old Head/Bunowen Sea Cliffs:

Breeding sea birds occur in small numbers along the sea cliffs. This includes species such as Black Guillinets, Shag, and Fulmar. Other breeding species present include Rock Dove, Raven and Chough. St. Dabeoc's Heath occurs here on the hilltop, found frequently in West Galway, occasionally here in South West Mayo, unknown elsewhere.

E. Carrowmore Strand:

Sightings of the common Porpoise occur relatively frequently. These dolphins are present in the Bay mostly during Summer and can often be seen off this beach and headlands. Great Northern Divers also frequent this shoreline to Roonagh.

F. Roonagh Pier

Frequent sightings of Gannets fishing in the Bay around Clare Island, Irelands fourth and most recent breeding site or Gannetry. Bigger numbers of Gannets and Manx Shearwaters can be seen on migration South from their Northern breeding grounds off the pier during the storms of Autumn. Lone Grey seals can be found along the coast.

The inland area from Sickeen Strand through Roonagh and to Doughmakeown is a hotspot for the elusive and rare Corncrake.  These birds are now regulars in the area and can be heard calling throughout the night.

G. Doughmakeown Strand:

Important Wintering site for small Waders such as Dunlin, Sanderling, and Ringed Plover. Nearby at Lough Baun several species of duck occur during the winter. These include Mallard, Wigeon, Teal and Tufted Duck. Whooper swans, which breed in Iceland, also Winter here in the surrounding machair.

H. Roonagh Lough:

This large sea-lough holds important numbers of Wintering wildfowl such as Mallard, Wigeon, Teal and Shelduck. Occasionally visited by various species of goose.

I. Cross Lough:

Sandwich Terns breed on the small island in the lake. These can be seen ferrying small fish in their beaks from the nearby sea to the breeding grounds. These birds migrate in the autumn and winter off West Africa.

J. Dooaghtry Lakes and Machair:

Important Wintering wetland for Mallard, Wigeon, Teal and Whooper swans. Dunlin and Lapwing breed in the surrounding machair in the summer. Large numbers (40) of Chough feed on the machair frequently during the winter.

K. Inishdegil Island:

By optical aid small numbers of Barnacle geese can be seen occasionally grazing on the island.

L. Uggool/Mouth of Killary Harbour:

Mediterranean Heath, this tall heather is found frequently on the damp Southern slopes of Mweelrea among other sites in West Mayo. It is rare in West Galway, unknown elsewhere. Also known as Irish heath.

M. Delphi:

In hard weather. Feral goats can be seen grazing on the lower slopes while crossing over from the Sheaffry Mountains to the Mweelrea range. This group of elusive and not truly wild goats usually number not more than 25 (Glenummera river omitted). Amongst the rapids of the nearby rivers the Dipper can be seen hunting for aquatic insects. And this bird's nest can be found underneath local bridges.

N. Loughnamucka/Shranacloy:

Important feeding grounds of the Greenland White fronted goose. It's preferred food plant the white beak sedge grows abundantly in the surrounding blanket bog.  In the nearby maturing coniferous woodland that rare bird the crossbill can seen and heard feeding on the core crop.  Grouse are also present on the drier moorland. A few pairs of golden plover breed in the moorland also.

Reproduced courtesy of Louisburgh Community Council