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The Curragh

Kildare  >  Ireland

A vast grassland plain famous for its wintering Goudplevier flock.

Geplaatst* door Luke Lambert
Meest recente update 23 januari 2026

Beschrijving

The Curragh Plains is one of the largest semi natural grasslands in Europe. The open landscape here makes it a perfect wintering destination for Goudplevier. 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. Kievit can also be found on the plains in varying numbers. Rarities sometimes turn up in these plover flocks, with Amerikaanse Goudplevier, Blonde Ruiter and Kemphaan all recorded previously.

Flocks of Kramsvogel and Koperwiek can often be seen in winter and in spring and summer Tapuit and Gierzwaluw also regularly occur. Slechtvalk have been seen hunting the plover flocks and other raptors have been seen on the plains such as Smelleken, Torenvalk, Sperwer and Buizerd. Ransuil 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

Toegang

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.

Terrein en leefgebied

Grasland/weide , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Vlakte

Omstandigheden

Vlak , Open landschap

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Ja

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Winter

Route

Smal pad

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Rolstoel , Auto

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

Top 5 vogels

Andere vogels die je hier kunt zien

Toon meer vogels Toon minder vogels
Toon meer foto's Toon minder foto's

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