Saltee Islands Puffin & Seabird Day Trip – Great Saltee (Kilmore Quay)

Great Saltee — Ireland's most famous bird sanctuary — is privately owned by the Neale family and home to over 220 species of birds. One of the world's major seabird sanctuaries. Ferry from Kilmore Quay (20min crossing). Up to 3.5h on the island. Puffins nest in burrows along the clifftops at eye level — arguably Ireland's most accessible puffin photography location. Gannet colony at south end of island (20-30min walk). Grey seal breeding colony — one of few on the east coast. Peregrine and chough also present. Best: late May–July when puffins in breeding plumage and sea flowers in bloom. 12 passengers per boat licensed by Dept of Transport. Also Three Sisters Cruise Company operating licensed boats from same harbour. 2h from Dublin via N11. No facilities on island — bring food water and wellies.