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Wildlife Tours: What to Expect

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Wildlife Tours: What to Expect

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Author: Dawn Rainbolt, PR Manager
Published: Jul 17, 2024 More by Dawn

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1. Wildlife Tours
2. Why Wildlife Tours?
3. Nature Tourism
4. What Can I See?
5. Will I See Animals?
6. Spotting Wildlife
7. Wildlife vs. Hiking
8. When to See Wildlife
9. Special Equipment?
10. Further Reading
11. Join A Wildlife Tour

What is a Wildlife Tour?

If you’re considering taking a wildlife tour in Ireland, you might be asking yourself what to expect. Our guide below should answer some of your questions about what to expect on Irish wildlife tours.

So, what is a wildlife tour? Like our other small group tours, wildlife tours are small group guided adventures designed to showcase the Emerald Isle’s rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. Wildlife tours offer opportunities to encounter, observe, understand, and appreciate various species of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Keep reading to learn more about wildlife tours in Ireland.

Why Take a Wildlife Tour in Ireland?

That’s the big question! Our small group guided Wildlife tours in Ireland go beyond sitting in a hide alone all day. On a wildlife adventure, combine flora and fauna with hiking, paddling, cycling, and cultural activities, learning about the unique species that call Ireland home. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of Ireland’s storied landscapes.

Keep reading to find out more about wildlife tours in Ireland. Learn what kind of flora and fauna you might spot, where the best spots to view wildlife are, and what seasons offer the best wildlife interactions.

What is Nature Tourism?

Hiking in the Burren

Nature tourism, sometimes known as eco-tourism, offers the opportunity to explore Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes while working in tandem to promote conservation and sustainable practices. In some ways, nature tourism is what it says on the tin: exploring the island’s natural wonders. But nature tourism goes beyond a walk in the woods.

Experience the beauty of Ireland’s wild places while participating in their preservation, conservation, and appreciation. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to join a beach clean or a trail clearing while on your vacation. Simply by travelling with a sustainable-minded tour operator, you are already on the right path to promote the conservation of Ireland’s wildest corners. While travelling with your guide, you’ll learn sustainable best practices, enrich your understanding and appreciation of Ireland’s plethora of flora and fauna, and get introduced to the enduring principles of Leave No Trace.

Getting off the beaten trail reduces our impact, staying longer in a destination means fewer long-haul flights, and meeting with local farmers, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts teaches each visitor about our place on the Emerald Isle. Explore national parks to learn about the unique and rare orchids that brighten the landscapes, try spotting the rare animals that call these remote hills and valleys home, and learn about ranger conservation and reintroduction efforts of species like golden eagles, red deer, and more.

In the Burren National Park, you can see firsthand the preservation efforts headed by the conservation charity Burren Beo. Burren Pines, long thought extinct and only reintroduced to Ireland via Scotland as Scot’s Pines, have been located surviving in a small copse against all odds. Genetically different to Scot’s Pines, these incredible native trees are cultivated and encouraged to grow in the Burren region, spurred by the conservation society’s wonderful work.

Ireland’s diverse ecosystems include the mountains of Kerry, which are ideal for hiking enthusiasts, the serene island shores of the west coast, ideal for birdwatching, and the peatlands of Connemara, which contain rare plant and animal species. Eco-friendly accommodations and tours emphasise sustainable practices, ensuring that future generations will enjoy the natural beauty of Ireland. Whether exploring the Skelligs’ wonderful wildlife or cycling along the coastlines of West Cork, nature tourism in Ireland offers a rich, immersive experience in one of Europe’s most enchanting environments.

Learn more about the Burren Beo and our partnership with the Wilderness Conservation fund below.

Learn More

What Can I Expect to See on a Wildlife Tour?

Our wildlife tours are designed to include as many opportunities to spot flora and fauna as the region allows. While there is no guarantee that you’ll spot all of the below species, you’ll certainly see a few.

Read below to discover what kind of wildlife you might find in Ireland.

Seabirds on the Irish coast.

Birdlife

Ireland is home to a variety of bird species, both on land and sea. Birdwatching opportunities include the famous puffins as well as gannets, kittiwakes, falcons, and many other bird species. Read more about birdwatching in Ireland below. Love puffins? Learn all you need to know about these adorable clownish birds here.

Seals bobbing in the ocean.

Marine Life

Coastal tours can include sightings of seals, dolphins, porpoises, whales, and possibly even basking sharks on rare occasions. Boat tours or paddling activities are ideal, but coastal hikes also offer the chance to spot Ireland’s water-dwelling fauna. If you’re interested in learning more, read our guide to marine wildlife below.

Sea pink wildflowers on the coast.

Flora

There are a plethora of flowers, plants, trees, and fungi that grow in Ireland, and much of what you’ll see will depend on what season you visit Ireland. Check out our flowers by month guide, or perhaps you’d like to learn more about native trees below. If you’d like to learn about Ireland’s edible plants, have a look at our wild foraging blog here.

Deer wandering the national parks.

Land Animals

Native red deer (and non-native sika deer), foxes, hares, and badgers are some of the terrestrial animals you might encounter. Places like Killarney, Glenveagh, and Wicklow national parks are wildlife havens, but the remote parts of Connemara, Mayo, Donegal, and West Cork also offer wildlife habitats.

Will I See Many Animals on a Wildlife Tour?

We hope so! Of course, there are no guarantees – after all, these are wild creatures that, for the most part, prefer to keep their distance from humans. However, the tours have been designed to take in the best wildlife spotting locations. Each trip is led by an expert guide who knows the region like the back of their hand, and will include visits to some of the best spots in Ireland.

Where are the Best Places to See Wildlife?

Ireland is a wild and largely rural place. We have few cities, almost no urban sprawl, and a sparse population. This leaves plenty of space for Ireland’s flora and fauna to thrive.

There are so many places in Ireland where you might spot wildlife.

For example, some of the best bird-watching spots in Ireland are on the Skellig Islands in Ireland’s southwest, and the chances of spotting birds there are almost certain. In season (April to July), you’ll even get a chance to encounter puffins who come there to nest. The same is true for Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland at the other end of the map. But most of Ireland’s rural and rugged coastline and islands would offer great bird-watching opportunities.

If you’re keen to spot Irish red deer, several of the national parks maintain large resident populations. Places like Killarney National Park, Wicklow National Park, and Glenveagh National Park are your best bet, though any forested area, particularly during autumn, offers a decent chance.

Seal lovers might like to head to Rathlin Island, the Blasket Islands, or a number of other secluded beaches, particularly in spring and summer, where the seals come ashore to pup and raise their young.

Marine animals are harder to spot. Generally speaking, the farther away from humans you get, the better your chances of spotting them. Most places along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline offer equal opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Spotting a basking shark is incredibly rare.

Is a Wildlife Tour Similar to a Hiking Tour?

Seabirds zooming past rocky islets.

Yes and no. In many ways, wildlife tours and wildlife tours are similar. They are both weeklong guided tours exploring a specific region of Ireland. Largely human-powered, most days of a wildlife tour will involve some hiking.

That said, the focus is not necessarily on hiking but rather on natural history. The walking pace may be slower, and the goal is to learn more about Ireland’s flora and fauna rather than summiting a particular hill or completing a loop.

Some days might include a boat trip, an E-bike tour, a kayak paddle, or other activity. This is still an active tour, though – don’t expect to sit in a wildlife hide for hours at a time! You’ll still be out exploring the wild corners of Ireland, whether that be coasts, lakes, islands, forests, bogs, hills, and other terrain.

When is the Best Time to Spot Wildlife in Ireland?

Puffins Read More: Puffins arrive in Ireland to nest in spring and early summer, so plan a tour to Ireland from April to July.
Seals Read More: Seals are best spotted during summer. There are two types of seals in Ireland – common and grey – and they don’t pup at the same time. Common or harbour seals are easier to spot, and they come ashore in late spring and throughout the summer. The larger grey seals pup over the winter.
Seabirds Read More: Most seabirds are around for the summer, so if you visit a bird sanctuary like the Skelligs or Rathlin, or other remote islands, you’re pretty likely to see them.
Whales Read More: It depends on the whale species. In spring, you might spot minkes. But July is the true start of “whale season”, where observant visitors might spot a number of whale species, including humpback whales and fin whales, the world’s second-largest whale.
Dolphins and Porpoises Read More: Dolphins and porpoises can be seen year-round but calm water conditions offer a better chance at spotting them near the water’s surface. Boat trips offer better opportunities, but you can also see dolphins and porpoises from the coast.
Basking Sharks Read More: Basking sharks are most likely to be spotted in from April to July, peaking in May, but be mindful that sightings of these gentle giants are very rare.

Do I Need Special Equipment to Join a Wildlife Tour?

No, not at all. Any equipment you might need for a wildlife tour in Ireland will be provided for you. Of course, you are more than welcome to bring your own if you prefer, as you might be more comfortable with your own equipment.

You don’t need a special camera, but for the best wildlife photography, a DSLR camera with a long lens and a tripod will provide the best shots. An extra pair of binoculars tucked into your pocket will ensure you won’t miss any birds, whales, seals, or deer which happen to be in your vicinity during your tour. Of course, this is your holiday, so you can and should bring the camera and equipment that will ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Flora and Fauna Further Reading

Join A Wildlife Tour

Wilderness Ireland Departure Dates	Availability	Status	Price	Book
Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast 12th Apr - 18th Apr 2025	6 place(s) left	Guaranteed	2,920	Book Now
Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast 24th May - 30th May 2025	8 place(s) left	Available	2,920	Book Now
Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast 19th Jul - 25th Jul 2025	8 place(s) left	Available	2,920	Book Now
Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast 30th Aug - 5th Sep 2025	6 place(s) left	Guaranteed	2,920	Book Now

Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she has been a part of Wilderness Ireland's marketing team since 2017.

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