Cape Clear Bird Observatory – Seabird Migration & Wildlife Weekends

Ireland's only manned bird observatory — operating since 1959. Cape Clear is one of the best seabird migration watchpoints in Europe: massive movements of Manx shearwater, Cory's shearwater, great shearwater, storm petrel, sooty shearwater, great skua, pomarine skua and Leach's petrel pass the headland. Spring: hoopoe golden oriole Nearctic vagrants. Autumn: American warblers flycatchers rare passerines. 8 cetacean species recorded offshore. Wildlife Weekends (warden-led Fri–Mon): daily survey walks bird ringing seawatching demonstrations; €30–€40 pppn self-catering dorm accommodation (7 guests max). Also standalone accommodation hire. Seabirds to Songbirds residential field course April and September. Ferry from Baltimore (45 min). Warden John Horton on site April–November. BirdWatch Ireland membership: €40/year. An iconic institution for Irish wildlife photography.