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Description
The Curragh Plains is one of the largest semi natural grasslands in Europe. The open landscape here makes it a perfect wintering destination for European Golden Plover. In recent years, the flock has up to 3500 to 4000 birds and seeing this flock wheel around on calm winter evenings is quite a spectacle. Northern Lapwing can also be found on the plains in varying numbers. Rarities sometimes turn up in these plover flocks, with American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Ruff all recorded previously.
Flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing can often be seen in winter and in spring and summer Northern Wheatear and Common Swift also regularly occur. Peregrine Falcon have been seen hunting the plover flocks and other raptors have been seen on the plains such as Merlin, Eurasian Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. Long-eared Owl has been recorded breeding in the small stands of woodland on the plains.
The Curragh is under-birded and has the potential for many more discoveries in the future.
Details
Access
The Curragh is located between the towns of Kildare and Newbridge. There are multiple car parking options available. Press a P on the map for directions. Alternatively, there are regular trains that pass through Kildare Town and Newbridge if travelling by bicycle. The 726 bus also has a bus stop close to the racecourse that runs regularly. There are many trails that criss-cross the plains. The Curragh Racecourse trails are closed until 1:30 pm every day to allow for the training of racehorses.