The Saltee Islands are a pair of small islands lying 5 km off the south-east coast of County Wexford in southern Ireland. Our photo shoot was to Great Saltee which is privately owned by the Neale family. It is recognised as a birdwatchers’ paradise as well as a beautiful location for a day trip and picnic. It has the second most important nesting colony in Ireland for gannets but throughout the island, there are also significant numbers of other species such as puffins, cormorants, razorbills, manx shearwater, kittiwakes, guillemots and shags.

Day visitors are allowed on the island between 11.30am and 4.30pm. Our arranged trip, which takes 15 mins, left from Kilmore Quay and it is strongly advised to book in advance as the boats are restricted to 12 passengers. The disembarkation onto the island is rather scary as it can involve a jump on to wet rocks.

After a short 10 min stroll, you arrive at the impressive cliff faces, each populated by a different species of bird. There are great views of the birds as you walk safely along small trails close to the cliff face but take extreme care if you wish to venture closer to take a photo. An invigorating 25 min walk up a steep incline will bring you to an incredible vista of 1000’s of gannets who permit you to come close to the colony – an incredible experience!!

Click here to see a gallery of images from the shoot. Enjoy!

 – Ray O’Connell