Wildlife

In its spectacular natural location Fort Dunree is rich in wildlife, some of it unique to the area. This is detailed in a beautiful wildlife exhibition in the Saldanha Suite.

There are 3 main types of habitat around Fort Dunree, the open sea, the coast and the blanket bog that covers the hills and exposed cliff tops.

Bird life is particularly prolific with a wide range of species nesting and feeding in habitats provided by the cliffs, coastal heath, shrubs and even abandoned buildings. Some species, such as the Chough are becoming increasingly rare in Ireland and Dunree Point is fortunate in having a number of resident nesting pairs.

Beyond the spectacular sea cliffs which surround Fort Dunree, the waters of Lough Swilly are rich in marine life. Harbour Porpoise are spotted on a regular basis and Bottlenose Dolphins are sometimes seen in large numbers. Otters normally more associated with rivers than the sea can also be seen hunting fish and crabs below the cliffs.

The field of Sea Algaes and seashore plants is too wide to be mentioned here except for the Thrift or Sea Pink that blooms in purple pink cushions from clefts in the bare rock in early summer.

Cross Leaved Heath, Ling and Bell Heather bloom in late summer in the Atlantic blanket bog which surrounds the site.

More information on the wildlife of Fort Dunree and Inishowen can be found by visiting the wildlife discovery room in the Saldanha Suite. Here you will find displays relating to all types of habitat found in the Inishowen Peninsula along with photographs, specimens and more detail on individual species.