BirdWatch Ireland
West Cork Branch
Protecting birds and biodiversity in West Cork
Events
A list of our events can be found on our Facebook page, and can also be obtained by joining our mailing list. Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.
We would like to make members aware of the Cork Branch outings also, as many members are able to attend both. Their outings can be found on their website.
Except where indicated, all events are free and non-Members are very welcome.
For
further information, please contact the leader of each
event.
Winter 2025/26
Sunday 12th
October 2025
Mizen Head
11:00am Autumn migration outing to
Mizen Head. Meet at 11.00am at Mizen Vision Car
Park: GPS 51.45157, -9.81107. Full day outing with
half day option. Bring suitable footwear, clothing
and a picnic lunch.
Leader: Jez Simms
087 689 6964
Toilets:
Yes
Walk: Easy
Sunday 9th
November 2025
Union Hall/Myross Inlet/Lough Cluhir
11:30am Join us as we explore the
varied birds of these three habitats. Bring suitable
footwear and clothing. Meet at Union Hall Community
Hall car park (51.55505, -9.14511). Duration: 4
hours.
Leader: Fiona
O’Neill 086 813
0650
Toilets: Yes
Walk: Easy
Sunday 7th
December 2025
The Gearagh, Macroom
10:30am Join us as we explore the
birds and unique biodiversity that characterise
Macroom’s submerged glacial woodland. Bring wellies
and a picnic lunch. Meet at Dromkeen Cross, South
car park (51.874433, -8.979196).
Leader: John
Lynch
Toilets: No
Walk: Easy
Sunday 28th
December 2025
Ballinspittle Wood/Garretstown Marsh
11:00am Join us on our Christmas
outing as we explore the passerines that call
Ballinspittle Wood home. Then spot the waders at
Garretstown Marsh. Meet at Templetrine Church car
park, Ballinspittle. Bring a picnic.
Leader: Nicholas
Mitchell 087 121
5256 Toilets:
No Walk:
Moderate
Sunday 25th
January 2026
Kilcolman Nature Reserve and Wildfowl Sanctuary
11.00am Outing to this very
special nature reserve. On foot, and from the
comfort of a hide, we’ll be observing the waders
that thrive here. Full day outing. Bring suitable
footwear and a picnic lunch. Meet at Doneraile Park
(car park inside gate on left) then car pool to the
reserve. Opportunity to explore Doneraile Park
afterwards.
Leader: Martin McKenna
Toilets:
No Walk: Easy
Sunday 1st
February 2026
West Cork Bird Race
08:30am The most fun you can have
whilst birdwatching! This year’s race starts at
Scally’s SuperValu car park, Clonakilty at 08:30am
and finishes at O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty at
06:00pm. Email Nicholas Mitchell:
treasurer@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie to register
your team of four (€10pp includes finger food at
O’Donovan’s Hotel after the race). Any surplus will
be donated to Cape Clear Bird Observatory. A unique
day out with no actual running involved.
Sunday 22nd
February 2026
Bantry – Gulls and Divers
11.00am Outing to Bantry to watch
gulls and divers. Meet at car park off the town
square on the road to SuperValu (GPS 51.681065,
-9.45507). Bring suitable footwear and a picnic
lunch.
Leader: Jez
Simms 087 689
6964 Toilets:
Yes Walk: Easy