Inishturk is a haven for birdlife, with 11 of the island’s 12 key seabird species recorded, alongside rare and threatened birds such as the Corncrake and Chough. Puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and black guillemots are regularly seen along the cliffs, while barnacle geese arrive in winter, highlighting the island’s year-round importance for wildlife.

A recent survey, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, confirms the island’s rich biodiversity and identifies important habitats for conservation, including areas suitable for Corncrake nesting. The journey to Inishturk is part of the experience. Ferry crossings across Clew Bay often bring sightings of dolphins riding the waves, with whales and basking sharks occasionally appearing in these wildlife-rich Atlantic waters—an unforgettable introduction to this living seascape.