Reserves

BirdWatch Ireland maintains a network of bird reserves around the country, all located in areas of conservation importance for birds. As pressure on natural habitats increases, reserves can ensure that some land is managed exclusively in the interests of threatened birds or habitats. This can be used as a demonstration of the benefits of conservation management, in advocating, for example, for more targeted agri-environment policy.

In addition, many of our reserves can offer a unique education resource, for children and adults alike, where as well as seeing and learning about birds, it also offers an opportunity to see other wildlife, from mammals to insects to flowers. Many of our Branches regularly organise outings to the reserves in their own area, and their expert leaders offer the best possible introduction to their wildlife. We hope that you visit some of them, either with the branches or in your own company, and enjoy the experience.

Entrance charges to our reserves are free, but donations to help us continue our work on these reserves are welcome. Follow the links below to learn more about some of our reserves

Reserves by Name

Capel Island & Knockadoon Head, Co. Cork

Sheskinmore Lough, Co. Donegal

Rogerstown, Co. Dublin

Bishop’s Island, Co. Galway

Little Skellig, Co. Kerry

Puffin Island, Co. Kerry

Illaunmaistir, Co. Mayo

Termoncarragh Lake, Co. Mayo

Termoncarragh Meadows & Annagh Marsh, Co. Mayo

Bullock Island, Co. Offaly

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Co. Wexford

Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow

East Coast Nature Reserve (ECNR), Co. Wicklow