Ancient castles, rugged landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and some of the most enchanting scenery in the world—Ireland is truly a country that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Join Wild Latitudes on this 10-day adventure and experience the very best the Emerald Isle has to offer: the birds, the land, and the culture of Ireland.

We'll welcome you at the Dublin airport and check into our first lodging on the shore of Dublin Bay, then head straight out to bird local parks and greenspaces, adding our first European species to the list. Time permitting, we'll work the coast for Oystercatcher, Brant Geese, Lapwing, and Grey Heron. From Dublin, we head south to Wexford, birding Wicklow Mountains National Park along the way for Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Goldcrest, before settling in for the night at our charming coastal lodging.

Next, we're off to County Cork, birding the famous Tacumshin Lake en route for Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Greenshank, and Purple Heron. We spend the night in the quaint village of Blarney, perfectly positioned to visit the Castle the next morning. We’ll bird the lovely castle grounds for Coal Tit, Red Crossbill, and woodpeckers. From there we bird our way along the coast to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, home to colonies of Razorbills, Black Guillemots, and Atlantic Puffins, and a prime spot for the playful and delightful Red-billed Chough.

After another night on the coast, we pass through Burren National Park to experience its remarkable geology before arriving in the quintessential Irish city of Galway. We then circle back to Dublin for one last night, meeting for happy hour to go over our bird list one final time—no doubt with a pint of Guinness in hand.

EXTENSION TRIP TO NORTHERN IRELAND: Extend your Irish adventure with a 4-day journey into Northern Ireland, one of the most historically rich and scenically stunning corners of the British Isles! Beginning on May 4th, we'll travel north from Dublin to Belfast, stopping en route at the remarkable Newgrange burial tomb — a 5,000-year-old megalithic structure that predates the Pyramids of Egypt.

From our base in Belfast, we'll venture out to two of Northern Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks: the Giant's Causeway, a breathtaking expanse of columnar basalt formed by ancient volcanic flows, and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, where birders are rewarded with stunning close-up views of nesting Razorbills and Guillemots. The rugged north coast also offers excellent birding for Eider, Raven, Rock Pipit, and the now-rare Twite. Back in Belfast, a free afternoon gives everyone time to explore the city's museums, waterfront, and pubs before we share one last dinner together.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrive in Dublin. Meet your Irish guide and bird local greenspaces for our first European species before checking into our hotel.

Day 2

Board a boat to Ireland's Eye island to see nesting Atlantic Puffins and other seabirds. An afternoon of birding local hotspots, then a free evening to explore Dublin.

Day 3

Bird the moorlands and forests of Wicklow Mountains National Park, searching for Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Red Kite, and Red Grouse. Evening at our charming hotel-pub in Wicklow.

Day 4

A full day birding the coastal wetlands and beaches of Kilcoole, home to a breeding colony of Little Terns, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, and Oystercatcher. Arrive in Wexford for the night.

Day 5

Shore-birding the famous Tacumshin Lake and Lady's Island Lake, searching for Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Reedling, Great Crested Grebe, and a four-species tern colony.

Day 6

Visit Blarney Castle — kiss the Blarney Stone if you dare — then spend the afternoon birding the castle's beautiful woodland and open grounds.

Day 7

Morning birding in Killarney National Park, with a chance at White-tailed Eagle and Red Deer. Afternoon at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, prime habitat for Puffins, Razorbills, and the Red-billed Chough.

Day 8

Explore the haunting limestone landscape of Burren National Park, then continue to the vibrant city of Galway for a free evening to explore and dine on your own.

Day 9

Return to Dublin with a free afternoon to explore the city, enjoy live traditional Irish music in the pubs, and dine where you like.

Day 10

A final bird list review over breakfast, then farewells at the Dublin airport. Extension participants head north to Northern Ireland!

Northern Ireland Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Drive north toward Belfast, stopping at the ancient megalithic tomb of Newgrange — over 5,000 years old and predating the Pyramids of Egypt. Arrive in Belfast for dinner and an evening of local birding.

Day 2

Head to the north coast to visit the Giant's Causeway and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, offering stunning close-up views of nesting Razorbills and Guillemots. Return to Belfast for a free evening in the city.

Day 3

Morning birding in Belfast's lovely Botanical Gardens, then a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace — visit the Titanic Museum, stroll the waterfront, or simply enjoy the pubs and music. A final dinner together to close out the tour.

Day 4

Farewells over a last breakfast together, then onward to the Belfast airport for flights home.

START DATE: Apr 25, 2027

DURATION: 10 days (+4 for extension)

GROUP SIZE: Up to 6

TRIP FOCUS: Birding and Natural History

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDES

Niall Keogh is a lifelong birder, out in the field since the age of eight. He has been working in the environmental sector since 2010, after completing a BSc in Environmental Biology through University College Dublin. Since then he has been employed as a bird surveyor and conservation advisor for consultancies, state bodies, environmental NGOs and third-level institutes. Nial's work includes baseline biodiversity surveys, targeted conservation of threatened species, land management, public engagement, and student training. Of note is his extensive offshore experience, in relation to the research and survey of seabirds and marine mammals in the waters around Ireland and the North Atlantic. Seabirds are his thing! Niall's favourite birding locations are remote islands and headlands, especially those facing out into the open ocean where he can observe bustling seabird colonies or active migration.

Niall is a dedicated recorder of birds in his home country and abroad. He acts as the eBird Regional Reviewer for Ireland and is a Voting Member of the Irish Rare Birds Committee. This involvement with citizen science and encouraging birders to document their sightings leads naturally into Niall's other passion, engaging people to get put their and enjoy nature! Whether its leading bird walks for local bird clubs, bringing visiting birders on tours around his favourite local birding sites or teaching university students on field courses, Niall feeds off other people's enthusiasm for nature and uses that to deliver fun and exciting outings for all!