Description

We’re delighted to return to Ireland for our exclusive five-day trip, led by authors of the highly-acclaimed “Britain’s Orchids” to the orchid-rich country of Ireland!

We will experience the beautiful scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, including some stunning beaches and Loughs, enjoy the friendly relaxed atmosphere and famously welcoming people of Ireland, both in the Republic and the North.

As if thousands of orchids, including some very special ones, are not enough, we should see some exciting birds and butterflies too!

We strongly believe in the care and protection of the habitats and species we’ll be there to see. This is why we’re keeping the group size small, with 2 leaders. Through our partnership with BSBI you’ll also be contributing towards the study & conservation of plants and habitats on this tour as well.

Our base will be the town of Sligo, which straddles the Garavogue River where it meets Sligo Bay. It’s famed for fine seafood, traditional Irish music, and the iconic flat-topped Benbulben mountain, which has dominated the landscape in the west of Sligo for over 300 million years.

We will stay in a comfortable & stylish three-star Hotel in the heart of Sligo. The comfortable theme continues as this is a genuine small group tour, limited to six guests, travelling in two SUV vehicles throughout the tour. This will also allow access to some special, wildlife-rich sites in stunning countryside. We will visit rare Machair and Atlantic Rainforest habitats as well as mountains, loughs and extensive dune systems – plus there will be some stunning beaches along the way.

The pace will be relaxed, but we will make the days fit with the amount of things to see – which is a lot! As well as allowing plenty of time to soak up the experience or take photographs, there will be identification advice offered on the trickier orchid species we might encounter.

Apart from the orchid fest, we will also enjoy other wildlife during the trip. We hope to get great views of Red-necked Phalarope at its only breeding site in Ireland. Corncrake is very likely at several sites in Co Mayo – including a very reliable one with 8+ singing males. We may see White-tailed Eagle at one of its few reintroduction sites. Great Northern Diver is possible at some of the coastal location and summer-plumaged Black Guillemots come in close at the harbour in Killybegs.

There should also be some early season dragonflies to enjoy, such as Scarce Chaser. And depending on the season we may be lucky enough to see Cryptic Wood White and Marsh Fritillary butterflies too.

On the trip last year there were also some super cetaceans seen, including Minke Whales, Dolphins, and even a Basking Shark. We will visit the same locations again so although no promises can be made, there is a possibility of sightings and our guides will have spotting scopes with them, to help make the most of any opportunities as they occur.

A final thought. If you have a partner, friend, or other companion, who would like to travel with you but not take part in the daily excursions, then this trip is ideally suited to that, and we can offer a reduced rate for them to stay with you at the hotel (on a room sharing basis) and share some of the meals we’ll have in the local vicinity.

This is a small group holiday with 6 participants. We recommend booking soon to guarantee a place!