Birdwatching Weekend in Carlingford Lough, with a daytrip to Oxford Island
5th to 7th Februaray 2010

Carlingford is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. It has a famous culinary tradition and fine Medieval ruins, but it is also an area that attracts thousands of over-wintering birds that can be viewed just a short walk from the hotel. The event runs from 5th February at 6pm to 7th February 2010 at 1pm.

• Two Nights’ Bed & Breakfast at the Four Seasons Hotel
• A Group Dinner in the Four Seasons Hotel in a Private Room
• Day long outing to Oxford Island and Craigavon Lakes (60 minutes’ drive by bus) on the Saturday to view winter waterfowl and waders led by Eric
• Illustrated talk by Eric Dempsey on Friday evening, and a Sunday morning outing around Carlingford led by Eric
• Expect to see up to 50 species during the weekend
• All you need is a basic pair of binoculars, a warm coat, and walking boots
• Fallback plan in case of arctic weather (indoor heated hide!)

Oxford Island and Craigavon Lakes

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve is both a haven for wildlife and a popular visitor attraction, situated on the southern shores of Lough Neagh. It is home to a vast range of birds, plants and animals throughout the year, and is a great place to see both summer and winter bird life.

The nature reserve gives visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of habitats, from woodlands to reed-beds, by a series of well-connected pathways, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs.  Birdwatching hides giving dramatic views across Lough Neagh are ideal to see the local wildfowl. Craigavon Lakes are nearby and often host rare winter species such as Slavonian Grebe and Smew.

Eric Dempsey is a professional guide, writer, broadcaster and presenter. He is the author of the best-selling 'Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds', 'Finding Birds in Ireland' and 'Birdwatching in Ireland'. He has published work on Ireland's birds in Europe, North America and Australia and is also a team member of the popular 'Mooney Goes Wild' radio show on RTE1. Eric runs educational workshops throughout Ireland and is also a listed Heritage Specialist.

• All our bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, remote control colour television, direct dial telephones, hospitality trays and ironing facilities.
• All guests have unlimited use of our extensive leisure facilities, which includes a swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna, jacuzzi & gymnasium.

• Guests can also enjoy full breakfast from 7am with a complementary newspaper.
• Our level of service continues with Room Service available until 9.00pm.
• Residents’ Bar and Restaurant.

Price
For two persons sharing: euro 250 per person all in.
For a single room: euro 305, all in.

Booking is essential. To book please call the Four Seasons Hotel at +353 (0)42 9373530 or send an email to Lorraine at lorraine@fshc.ie or Breffni at bmartin@regintel.com .

Alternative lower cost Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available – check www.carlingford.ie and please email Breffni for details/booking. 

Schedule for Birding Weekend 2010

Friday 5th February
8 – 8:30pm Illustrated talk by Eric at hotel conference centre on winter waterfowl

Saturday 6th February
9am Depart Hotel in Bus to Oxford Island
10:15am Arrive Oxford Island/Craigavon Lakes
12:30pm Lunch Oxford Island Discovery Centre (self-service, not included)
4:30pm Depart Oxford Island/Craigavon Lakes
5:45pm Arrive Hotel
7:00pm Dinner Hotel
8:00pm Free/social

Sunday 7th February11am                       
Meet in hotel carpark
11:30 – 1pm Guided walk along Carlingford shore and mudflats

1pm Ends, though if weather permitting, quick outing to Balaggan point by car

Booking info