Bangor, at the heart of Erris, is well situated for birdwatching, and is just a 15 minute drive from one of the best sites in the country.

The Barony of Erris is one of the most popular areas in Ireland for the birdwatcher.

The remote coastline and beaches are home to a vast number of species, with the area around Belmullet being of special interest.

The Mullet is an area of land lying due west of Belmullet town, covering approximately 100 square kilometers, which is now an island since a canal was cut in the 1800’s.

One of the prime sites is the Annagh Marsh Reserve, a 17acre site consisting of marsh, meadows, wet grassland and open water.

This is an important area for Breeding Waders, such as Nipe and Redshank. It is an extremely sensitive breeding ground, and as such, access to this reserve is by prior arrangement with Birdwatch Ireland only.

In the summer, the rare Corncrake can still be heard in the area, due to the traditional farming methods, which assist their survival in certain farms. Other birds which can be seen at this time of year include the Lapwing, the Dunlin, the Twite, and the Red-necked Phalarope.

In winter, wild Swans, Geese and Ducks can be spotted throughout the Erris region, with the Brent Goose, Whooper Swan, and the Long Tailed Duck being particularily notable, as well as the Common Scoter and the Slavonian Grebe.