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The Curragh

Kildare  >  Ireland

A vast grassland plain famous for its wintering Золотистая ржанка flock.

Added* by Luke Lambert
Most recent update 23 января 2026

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 Золотистая ржанка. 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. Чибис can also be found on the plains in varying numbers. Rarities sometimes turn up in these plover flocks, with Американская ржанка, Желтозобик and Турухтан all recorded previously.

Flocks of Рябинник and Белобровик can often be seen in winter and in spring and summer Каменка and Чёрный стриж also regularly occur. Сапсан have been seen hunting the plover flocks and other raptors have been seen on the plains such as Дербник, Пустельга обыкновенная, Перепелятник and Канюк. Ушастая сова 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.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Plain

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Winter

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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