If you’re one of the many people who have dreamed of seeing puffins up close, then Ireland is definitely the place to do it. These cute and colourful birds spend much of their time out at sea but each year they come ashore to breed. While they generally gather in remote coastal regions, there are several locations where you are pretty much guaranteed to see puffins in Ireland, as long as you visit at the right time of course!
An added bonus is that these locations are some of the most breathtaking in the country. The best spots also involve taking a boat trip, making for a memorable adventure. We’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these locations and can safely say that seeing puffins in Ireland is an experience you will not forget in a hurry. When you hit the jackpot and get a sunny day too, there’s nothing quite like it.
The Atlantic Puffin
There are three different types of puffins, which belong to the auk family. The type found in Ireland is the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica for those who like to know the latin name). They are easily recognised by their colourful beaks, black-and-white plumage, and their cute little waddle. Not to be biased, but they are definitely the cuties in the family!
Despite their playful appearance, puffins are incredibly resilient birds, spending most of their lives at sea and only coming ashore to breed. They dig burrows in soft grassy cliffs where they lay a single egg each season. Puffins are excellent divers and use their beaks to carry multiple fish at once.
Puffins start breeding at about five years old and life for around 20 years. Male and females mate long-term, sometimes for life. Baby puffins, known as pufflings, are raised by both parents.
Fun fact: did you know that the puffin’s distinctive orange bill is just a temporary summer accessory? The colourful beaks help them to strut their stuff and attract potential mate. In winter, their beaks are just a dull grey or black.
When is the Best Time to See Puffins in Ireland?
Between April and early August, puffins return to Irish shores to breed. They usually arrive in mid to late April and depart again in early August. May and June are generally the peak months for seeing puffins while they are present in large numbers. By July they can be busy fishing out at sea for their young and by the end of July, early August, they are getting ready to migrate.
Protecting the Puffins
Sadly, the global population of puffins is in decline due to threats like climate change, overfishing, pollution, and invasive predators on nesting islands. So while it is amazing to see puffins up close and to spend time in their presence, it’s important to do what we can to keep them safe.
Here’s how we can help:
- Respect puffin habitats: Stick to paths, follow local guidelines, and never try to feed or touch wildlife. Keep your distance and use binoculars or your lens to zoom in on the puffins, not your feet. Though the images you see make it look like they are taken up close, they are shot with massive lenses used for wildlife photography.
- Leave no trace: take any rubbish home with you. Particular caution is needed for any plastic waste. Puffins often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in marine debris.
- Support conservation groups: Organisations like BirdWatch Ireland and the RSPB work hard to protect seabird habitats and educate the public. Donations can be made via their websites.
- Take small actions: even spreading awareness or supporting sustainable fishing, can have a ripple effect in protecting these beloved birds for generations to come.
See, very distracting!
What to Bring with You
- Binoculars or a zoom lens – this is the best way to see the puffins up close without causing any harm.
- Weatherproof clothing – as always the weather in ireland can change rapidly. Be prepared.
- SPF – many of these locations have no shelter, so if the sun is shining you will need sunscreen or you’ll be fried!
- Good walking shoes
- A small travel towel – this can come in very handy, particularly for Saltee island, if it’s a wet landing.
- Something to carry your rubbish home in.
- Water bottle
- Patience and a sense of wonder!
Top Places to See Puffins in Ireland
Let’s start with the very best places to see puffins in Ireland. While it is possible to spot them on the mainland, the top places to see puffins involve a boat trip out to the islands. In these more remote locations, the puffins gather in greater numbers and it is possible to see them from a lot closer than you can in other locations.
However, as these locations are remote and rugged, they are not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. The boat trips and landings can be rough and once on the islands there is rough and uneven terrain and possibly slippery stones or steps to navigate.
1. Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry
Skellig Michael is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site it’s also a puffin paradise. This dramatic, craggy island off the Kerry coast was once a monastery and is an incredible place to visit for this reason alone. However, it is also home to thousands of seabirds during nesting season. The puffins are pretty bold here too. They’ll waddle close to you and and take off and land all around you.
You might recognise this iconic island as Ahch-To from the Star Wars film series. During the filming, the crew had to come up with work around for all the puffins on the island. Obviously they couldn’t disturb the birds and removing them digitally would have been a massive job. In the end, they inspired the adorable Porgs, which were created using puppets, CGI and other effects.
Boat tours to Skellig Michael run from Portmagee and Valentia Island between May and September. There are two boat tours available. There’s the landing tours, allowing you to explore the island and the eco tours, which circle the Skellig islands.
Tip: Book early as it’s a popular trip and landing tour numbers are limited to protect the site and the puffins. Due to its remote location, trips to the island are weather dependant and can often be cancelled. It happened on our first attempt but we made it there on the 2nd try and got a stunning day for it too.
READ MORE: Skellig Michael landing tour – the ultimate Irish day trip
2. Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford
The Saltee Islands are among the most important bird sanctuaries in Ireland. While they are privately owned, Great Saltee is open to day visitors and is heavily populated with puffins and other seabirds. Puffins nest here in burrows scattered along the cliff trails and their numbers peak in early summer.
Saltee Ferry operates from Kilmore Quay from April through to the end of August. The trip to the island is only about 20 mins, making it a much shorter trip than the one to Skellig Michael.
Note that there are no facilities on the island, so plan ahead and pack supplies. There is also no pier, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of a wet landing. A small rib will take you as close to the shore as possible but you may need to scramble over some slippery rocks to reach the shore.
READ MORE: Saltee Islands – an unforgettable day trip
3. Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim
Just a short ferry ride from Ballycastle, Rathlin Island is a haven for birdlife. The Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre is a fantastic place to see puffins alongside razorbills, guillemots, and more. The viewing platform offers stunning views and the opportunity to see puffins and other seabirds during the summer months.
The island is steeped in history and its well worth spending a full day there to explore its wild and rugged beauty. See the unique ‘upside down’ lighthouse and if you’re visiting between mid-April and early July, listen out for the call of the Corncrake. Once common in Ireland, the Corncrake population suffered a steep decline but has been increasing in recent years. In 2019, Corncrakes were recorded on the island for the first time in 30 years.
Other locations where you might spot Puffins in Ireland
Though it’s not guaranteed, you may be lucky enough to spot puffins in other locations around Ireland. Coastal trails along the rugged west coast are your best shot. Puffins prefer, cliffs, rocky sea stacks and headlands offering protecting from humans and predators. If you’re out hiking during breeding season, don’t forget to pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for them.
There are too many locations to list them all but here a few spots where you might get lucky:
4. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
The Cliffs of Moher are famous for their towering beauty and Atlantic views, but they’re also home to one of Ireland’s most important seabird colonies. From April to July, puffins can be seen nesting on the grassy ledges below. You have more chance of spotting them way from the visitor’s centre. Try the Liscannor end near the Hag’s Head or the Doolin side.
5. Horn Head & Tory Island, Co. Donegal
Donegal’s remote headlands and islands provide a quieter, less touristy experience. Horn Head near Dunfanaghy offers puffin sightings from land, while Tory Island, reachable by ferry, is a puffin stronghold with stunning cliffs and a rich cultural heritage.
6. Inisturk Island, Co. Mayo
Inishturk Island is located off the coast of Mayo and is a spectacular place to escape to for a few days. You can get a ferry out from Roonagh Pier enjoy exploring the island at your leisure. Head to the north west of the island where the sea stacks are located for your best chance at spotting puffins during the summer. You may also get lucky on neighbouring Clare Island or Inisbofin.
There’s something undeniably joyful about watching puffins go about their business — whether it’s waddling, flying with their wings buzzing like tiny propellers, or returning to their burrows with beaks full of fish. Seeing them in their natural habitat, against the backdrop of Ireland’s rugged coastlines, is an experience that stays with you. Wherever you chose to see them, a day spent watching puffins is bound to be a highlight of your travels.
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