Great Saltee
We’ve been fortunate over the years to spend time in many of the great seabird colonies in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The chance to visit a very beautiful nothern gannet colony on the Saltee Islands just off the Southeast coast of Ireland was one we couldn’t pass up. For perfect photography conditions you really need to stay in Kilmore Quay, then get out onto the islands early in the morning and then again, late in the evening thereby avoiding the day-trippers. Joining a trip with other wildlife photographers is the best bet- we travelled with the well-known southwest-based photographer, Guy Edwardes.
Saltee Islands Map
Great Saltee Location Map
Once on the island there is a fair hike (1.5km) to the main gannet colony and it isn’t flat - it doesn’t sound too bad until you realise how much big glass you are going to be carrying and a tripod of course, and hiking there and back twice every day. There are puffins and other birds along the way though!
Further, on and you eventually reach the gannet colony which has to be approached with extreme care to ensure that the birds aren’t disturbed. Depending on the wind direction and the light there are lots of opportunities for flight shots, either over the colonies or against dark black cliff faces.
As the evening draws on, the lower angle of the sun lights up the water providing a variety of creative opportunities.
