Short birdwatching visit · Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Magilligan Point Nature Reserve
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- Winter wildfowl; summer Gannet
- Headline birds
- Great Northern Diver · Red-throated Diver · Gannet
- Parking
- The official reserve page lists a car park at the end of the public road, beside the reserve approach.
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- Not stated by the operator
County Londonderry
Magilligan Point is the tip of the dune system at the mouth of Lough Foyle, with open water beyond the narrows. The official reserve account recommends it for seabirds and winter waders and wildfowl. The protected-area account names Great Northern and Red-throated Divers on this coast, while the Binevenagh watching guide specifically names summer Gannet offshore at the point. A public-road car park gives a clear arrival, but there are no formal paths. Make this a patient shore watch rather than an excursion into the dunes, and obey local notices where the adjacent firing range restricts beach access.
Birds and seasons
- Great Northern Diver · Headline bird — Season not stated by the source Source for Great Northern Diver
- Red-throated Diver · Headline bird — Season not stated by the source Source for Red-throated Diver
- Gannet · Headline bird — Summer Source for Gannet
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- There are no formal paths. Watch from the public arrival and shore, respect closures and avoid fragile dunes and restricted areas.
- Toilets
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Parking
- The official reserve page lists a car park at the end of the public road, beside the reserve approach.
- Dogs
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Access notes
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Step-free access
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
Getting there: Follow signs for Magilligan Point and the ferry along Point Road. Check local notices before walking on the beach; access restrictions can apply when the adjacent firing range is operating.
Sources
Nearby special trips
- Oronsay · 64.5 straight-line miles
- Stevenston Point · 91.8 straight-line miles
- Ben Lomond · 112.1 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Lough Foyle, 10.7 miles away in a straight line.
- Benone Strand · 3.8 miles in a straight line
- Gortmore Viewpoint · 4.5 miles in a straight line
- Portstewart Strand and Bann Estuary · 9.5 miles in a straight line