Saltee Islands

Saltee Islands

The Saltee Islands are located approximately 5 km off the coast of Kilmore Quay in County Wexford. Great Saltee, the larger island, is the most renowned bird sanctuary in Ireland and is a favorite with day-trippers and birdwatchers equally. From gannets and gulls to puffins and Manx Shearwaters, the islands are a haven for seabirds. They also are on a major migratory route and a popular stopover for spring and fall migrants. The Great Saltee is also home to a breeding population of Grey Seals - one of just a few in the east of Ireland. There can be up to 120 animals in the autumn and up to 20 pups each year. Based on pre-Cambrian rock, between 600 and 2000 million years old, the Saltees are among the oldest islands in Europe. Primitive man of the Stone Age first settled there before history was recorded and carved out an existence for himself. As early as 3,500 to 2,000 B.C., the islands were inhabited. There is a recently identified promontory fort, the remnants of an ancient grave, an Ogham stone and signs of what may have been ring forts. The seabird colonies on the cliffs northeast of Gannet Headland are one of the most spectacular sights on Great Saltee in midsummer. Huge numbers of guillemots and razorbills crowd the cliffs, creating a frighteningly incessant noise that only dies down a little at night. Fulmars also play their part in this show. Towards dusk, the sight of the puffins gathering in small flocks near their nesting grounds is a marvelous sight to behold. These islands are privately owned by the Neale family, and permission is not required for day visits to the Great Saltee by courtesy of the family.