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Description
Walking between Carne Harbour and Carnsore Point offers sandy tidal beaches interspersed with large rocks and boulders which provides foraging and roosting habitat for many coastal species. The most common waders seen throughout the year are Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Ringed Plover and Sanderling as well as a chance of Purple Sandpiper in the winter months. There are also arable fields along the trail which sometimes have Stock Dove present.
Due to its close proximity to Lady's Island Lake, this area is a popular foraging and loafing area for breeding Mediterranean Gull and Roseate Tern. Arctic Tern, Common Tern and Sandwich Tern are also seen here in high numbers, particularly in the post-breeding season in August where hundreds of terns can be seen together on the rocks at Carne and at Crossfintan Point.
Carnsore Point is the most south-easterly point in Ireland. It is often the first or last landfall for migrants in the country and it's possible to see large numbers of them in spring and autumn. It's also a seawatching spot with Northern Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver and Common Scoter often recorded during suitable weather conditions. On good seawatching days, Cory's Shearwater and Sooty Shearwater have also been observed on multiple occasions in recent years.
Details
Access
There are multiple parking options parking available at Carne, Nethertown and Carnsore Point. Press a P on the map for directions. The walk is over 3 km long and can be started from either Carne Pier or Carnsore Point as both a straight or looped walk.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Sea , Beach , Agriculture , City/villageConditions
Flat , SandyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The area is known for its rarities during the migration months with the best places being Carne Harbour, Churchtown, Nethertown and Carnsore Point. At Carne Harbour, Baird's Sandpiper, Red Phalarope, Sabine's Gull and Black Tern have all been recorded in recent years. Churchtown is a good spot for rare passerines, with Lesser Whitethroat and Pied Flycatcher recorded regularly. Eurasian Hoopoe was also observed here recently. Rarities seen between Nethertown and Carnsore Point include European Honey-buzzard, Eurasian Wryneck and Ring Ouzel.