Wicklow Head & Reef

Beach at Wicklow Head

Beach at Wicklow Head.In the foreground, thrift or sea pink is in flower. This headland marks the most easterly point of County Wicklow. Its cliffs hold a small seabird colony in summer. The seabed offshore, which is swept by strong tidal currents, has an unusual series of reefs formed by honeycomb worms. (Richard Nairn)

copyright R. Nairn

Beach at Wicklow Head
copyright R. Nairn

Beach at Wicklow Head

Beach at Wicklow Head.In the foreground, thrift or sea pink is in flower. This headland marks the most easterly point of County Wicklow. Its cliffs hold a small seabird colony in summer. The seabed offshore, which is swept by strong tidal currents, has an unusual series of reefs formed by honeycomb worms. (Richard Nairn)

copyright R. Nairn

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Wicklow Reef is located just north of Wicklow Head and is an example of a subtidal reef that has been constructed by the honeycomb worm. This is an extremely unusual habitat for Ireland – within Europe it is more commonly found in warm Mediterranean waters. It is therefore of high conservation value.

The Wicklow Reef occurs to depths of between 12 and 30 meters. A diverse range of species inhabit it, including starfish, crabs, barnacles, bryzoans, molluscs, sponges and a variety of worms.

The great seabird colony of Wicklow Head is the most easterly point of the Republic of Ireland, and its distinctive shape can be seen from most other places along the Wicklow coastline. During the nesting season from May to July, the busy call of shags, gulls, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills and many other species is particularly noticeable. A number of songbirds also inhabit the clifftops such as skylarks and pipits.