When and Where to Find Puffins in Ireland (5 spots + 1 close to Dublin)
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s most adorable seabirds, you’re in for a treat. Puffins, with their colorful beaks and charismatic personalities, are a seasonal delight found along Ireland’s rugged coastline.
In this guide, we’ll share five of the best places to see puffins in Ireland, plus a bonus story from our recent boat trip to Ireland's Eye, just outside Dublin.
When Is Puffin Season in Ireland?
Puffins come ashore to breed between April and early August, nesting in burrows on remote islands and cliff edges. The best time to see them is usually May through July, when they are most active and easy to spot.
Top 5 Places to See Puffins in Ireland
1. Skellig Michael, County Kerry
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael is one of Ireland’s most famous puffin colonies. Besides puffins, you’ll be treated to stunning views and the ancient monastic settlement that featured in Star Wars. Boats depart from Portmagee.
2. Great Saltee Island, County Wexford
This privately-owned island is a haven for birdwatchers. Accessible by boat from Kilmore Quay, Great Saltee is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and razorbills. It’s one of the richest bird sanctuaries in Ireland.
3. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
One of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are also a puffin habitat. The best viewing point is from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre or on a boat tour for an up-close view of puffin nesting sites.
4. Rathlin Island, County Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island north of Belfast, Rathlin Island offers a puffin-viewing platform at the RSPB Seabird Centre. Ferries operate from Ballycastle and the island also has walking trails, lighthouses, and dramatic sea views.
5. Horn Head, County Donegal
A less touristy option, Horn Head offers rugged cliffs and Atlantic views that are often dotted with puffins during the season. Bring binoculars and enjoy a peaceful, panoramic spot for puffin watching.
Bonus: Our Puffin Trip to Ireland's Eye (Near Dublin)
Yesterday, we set off on a spontaneous adventure to Ireland's Eye, a small uninhabited island just 10 minutes by boat from Howth, north of Dublin.
We booked a short boat tour which gave us about one hour on the island — just enough time to soak in the wild beauty and look for puffins.
To our delight, we spotted several puffins, waddling and flying along the cliffs. Puffins aren't the only birds you'll see here; the island is home to gulls, cormorants, and guillemots too.
With the dramatic cliffs, the ruins of an old church, and the stunning coastal views, this spot felt like a hidden gem.
If you're staying in Dublin, Ireland's Eye is the quickest and easiest place to see puffins. Just hop on a DART to Howth and book a local boat tour.
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Want to find all these puffin-watching spots and more hidden gems across Ireland? Grab access to our Google Map of Ireland. It includes:
- All the puffin hotspots listed above
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Happy Puffin Spotting!