Malahide Estuary

Green Algae

Copyright Robert Wilkes

Green Algae
Copyright Robert Wilkes

Green Algae

Copyright Robert Wilkes

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Malahide Estuary is that of the River Broadmeadow. A long sand spit, known as ‘the island’, cuts off most of the estuary from the sea. At low tide this area is completely drained, exposing the mudflats.

Eelgrass, green algae and Tassel Weed are common plants along the estuary.

Flora

Sand dunes surrounding the estuary are an important habitat for many sea-side plants. Yellow Wort, Field Gentian, Pyramidal Orchid, and Burnet Rose thrive on the dunes alongside the dominant Marram Grass. A large area of salt-marshes supports maritime plants such as Sea Purslane, Sea Asrer, Thrift and Common Saltmarsh-grass.

Birds

The extensive salt-marshes and mud-flats attract a huge population of waterfowl making it one of the most important ornithological sites in the Dublin area. The estuary is home to an internationally important population of Brent Geese as well as many populations of nationally important species.

Grest Crested Grebes, Mute Swans, Shelducks, Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Teals, Greenshanks and Dunlins are just a few examples of species that occupy the Malahide Estuary on a regular basis. Some migrant bird species are also attracted to the estuary such as Ruff, Spotted Redshank and Little Stint.