Birds Ireland Tours & Workshops
Birds Ireland Tours & Workshops
Birds Ireland Tours & Workshops
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Experience Ireland's wonderful birds, wildlife and natural gems with Ireland's leading bird expert and wildlife photographer, Eric 'the Birdman' Dempsey. Author of eight books on Ireland's birds and wildlife, Eric is one of the most sought-after speakers on Ireland's birds. As a photographer, Eric's imagery captures moments in nature which you can now share as signed, limited edition prints. See our website or make contact with us for further details.
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5.0
77 reviews
Excellent
76
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1
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JFT96
dublin3 contributions
If you love bird watching , nature or photography then this is a workshop that you just don't want to miss. I have been a bird lover since I can remember and I also have a keen but amateur interest in photography so when the possibility arose to combine both in the company of Eric Dempsey, one of Ireland's leading experts and authors on irish bird watching,then it was a no brainer for me.
Eric runs his workshops in his partner Hazels house in sycamore hill, Newcastle. The house is spectacular and offers great opportunity to see numerous birds, goldfinch, redpolls, chaffies etc. on the numerous feeders on the grounds. This particular course is run in conjunction with John Fox who is a professional photographer of birds and nature in general. I never knew of John before but found him very personable and very generous with his time.
Before the day starts every participant is asked what exactly they expect from the day and how they hope to achieve it. The first half of the day is spent in Sycamore Hill working on techniques and photographing birds from the house, hide or camouflaged car. The other half is spent at the East Coast Nature Reserve taking photos from the hides on the pool area. The light was poor on the day so photography was a challenge but it did not detract from the experience.
Eric and John are great hosts and provide a well of knowledge for any amateur, novice or aspiring bird expert in the field of bird photography. I found the day invaluable and most of all I got to meet one of my idols, Eric. Meeting people that you have a high regard for can sometimes be a big letdown but with Eric this was not the case. Thank you Eric and John for a great day.
Ian Garratt.
Eric runs his workshops in his partner Hazels house in sycamore hill, Newcastle. The house is spectacular and offers great opportunity to see numerous birds, goldfinch, redpolls, chaffies etc. on the numerous feeders on the grounds. This particular course is run in conjunction with John Fox who is a professional photographer of birds and nature in general. I never knew of John before but found him very personable and very generous with his time.
Before the day starts every participant is asked what exactly they expect from the day and how they hope to achieve it. The first half of the day is spent in Sycamore Hill working on techniques and photographing birds from the house, hide or camouflaged car. The other half is spent at the East Coast Nature Reserve taking photos from the hides on the pool area. The light was poor on the day so photography was a challenge but it did not detract from the experience.
Eric and John are great hosts and provide a well of knowledge for any amateur, novice or aspiring bird expert in the field of bird photography. I found the day invaluable and most of all I got to meet one of my idols, Eric. Meeting people that you have a high regard for can sometimes be a big letdown but with Eric this was not the case. Thank you Eric and John for a great day.
Ian Garratt.
Written 18 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robbie F
Dublin, Ireland2 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
As a complete novice went to Sycamore Hill to hear the dawn chorus with Eric. An absolute fabulous experience, Eric showed his knowledge clearly to some guests that were experienced in Bird Watching while also able to give basic nuggets of wisdom to beginners like myself.
The breakfast provided by Hazel really finished off a memorable morning.
No hesitation recommending it to novices or experienced Bird Watchers as a great event.
The breakfast provided by Hazel really finished off a memorable morning.
No hesitation recommending it to novices or experienced Bird Watchers as a great event.
Written 5 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viv S
Dublin, Ireland81 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
One of the most exciting Saturdays I have ever spent. I know nothing about birds but like photographing them. Went there Feb 15th and what a treat. Firstly I would like to thank Eric for imparting a ton of fabulous knowledge on birds and associated subjects like feeding, cats, origin and migration and much much more. If you are lucky enough like I was to attend one of his workshops, you will be mesmerised by his delivery and the way he imparts this kniowledge and how his love of this subject jumps right out at you and hugs you, until you can hardly breath with excitement, while you try to retain and internalise his every word. Quite amazing. Then Hazel, his beautiful partner cooks up the most fantastic meal that would make any 5 star restaurant blush. And then you get to see Eric's expert colleagues ring these beautiful little creatures for recording. I had such an amazing day that I can't wait to go again. You don't need to be an expert on birds, you don't need to be a photographer, you only need to be a lover of natures wonderments and someone who wants to know a little more about these little fellows that fly into your garden. Thanks Eric and thanks Hazel....
Written 16 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa B
Abbeyleix, Ireland11 contributions
Feb 2015 • Business
We invited Eric to speak to 6th class at Taney National school this week. The children listened to his every word and they were enthralled, as were the teachers!!!
His story of the life of the swallow had every child hooked, with big wide eyes! They are still talking about Eric and now have wonderful ambitions of becoming ornithologists!!
Eric brings the world of birds in the classroom to life, more than you can get with a textbook.
The 6th class pupils have gained so much from listening to him speak and from looking at and studying his invaluable resources.
Well done Eric, we will hopefully be seeing you again!
His story of the life of the swallow had every child hooked, with big wide eyes! They are still talking about Eric and now have wonderful ambitions of becoming ornithologists!!
Eric brings the world of birds in the classroom to life, more than you can get with a textbook.
The 6th class pupils have gained so much from listening to him speak and from looking at and studying his invaluable resources.
Well done Eric, we will hopefully be seeing you again!
Written 5 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevensi100
dublin1 contribution
Mar 2013 • Solo
I have partaken in a few of Eric's courses and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have had. He is fantastic at passing on the knowledge he has accrued over the years. All I can really add is that if you are in any way thinking of doing this course then just
Do it. You'll be glad you did.
Ian Stevenson
Do it. You'll be glad you did.
Ian Stevenson
Written 1 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin D
Mahwah, New Jersey, United States1 contribution
Jun 2013 • Couples
I had the distinct please of enjoying a day of birding with Eric this past spring. My wife and I toured areas north of Dublin with Eric and coming from the US, I was able to add 50+ birds to my lifelong list. Eric is a congenial and entertaining fellow, interlaced within our birding expedition were jokes, interesting facts, a stop for ice cream and much more. Eric is the type of guy you wish you had as your next door neighbor. I can only highly recommend to anyone interested in birding in Ireland to contact Eric, you will be enriched!
Kevin D
Kevin D
Written 2 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin S
Dublin12 contributions
Apr 2013 • Business
Hi. I work as a primary school teacher in a boys and girls school in Clondalkin, Dublin. I've twice been lucky enough to have been able to bring Eric into our school and each time he has opened the kids eyes and minds to the wonderful world of birds. It's not too much to say that he has enriched their lives.
I've seen him teach to a class of teachers (brilliant), a class of 8-9 year-old's (brilliant), and a group of three classes of 11-12 year-old's (brilliant).
He has great resources with him; he knows how to present to kids; he adapts to the situation. He encourages questioning him, he encourages self-questioning, he encourages the kids to explore the world of nature around them.
There is not a tenth enough nature studies in the Irish curriculum (nor enough time to teach half the curriculum, but that's another story!) but please do your kids a huge favour and book Eric. Irish youngsters are mostly ignorant of the world of nature (through no fault of their own) but your kids will be out and about enjoying it, respecting it, and ultimately caring for it.
I've seen him teach to a class of teachers (brilliant), a class of 8-9 year-old's (brilliant), and a group of three classes of 11-12 year-old's (brilliant).
He has great resources with him; he knows how to present to kids; he adapts to the situation. He encourages questioning him, he encourages self-questioning, he encourages the kids to explore the world of nature around them.
There is not a tenth enough nature studies in the Irish curriculum (nor enough time to teach half the curriculum, but that's another story!) but please do your kids a huge favour and book Eric. Irish youngsters are mostly ignorant of the world of nature (through no fault of their own) but your kids will be out and about enjoying it, respecting it, and ultimately caring for it.
Written 29 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann M
Wicklow1 contribution
May 2013 • Solo
What a way to start the day ! Last Sunday I had the pleasure of listening to the dawn chorus in Sycamore Hill. Eric and Hazel provided a very warm and relaxed welcome to their magical home. Tea, coffee and juices, on arrival, accompanied by delicious home made banana bread made the early wake up call worthwhile. The dawn chorus itself was a wonderful experience especially under Eric's tutelage which made it both informative and enjoyable. Eric is an expert on all aspects of bird life and that coupled with a witty and relaxed presentation and good food this is an experience not to be missed ! Ann Co Wicklow
Written 15 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul E
Waterford, Ireland6 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
Attended a photography workshop at Sycamore Hill and surrounding area. The workshop was a practical guide to both photographic techniques and field techniques. It was a small group of people, so that personal attention was available, and catered for novices and (semi) professional photographers. Eric and John are excellent teachers and guides, who explained their craft in knowledgeable but simple terms. Although the weather was not great for photography, the day was excellent. Highly recommended.
Written 18 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SortedbyGwen
Killinchy, UK343 contributions
Blessed with a crisp clear day, Sycamore Hill was looking its best for our day-long workshop. A warm welcome with plentiful tea and coffee gave us a chance to see some of the winter garden birds close up at the many feeders. An hour long interactive lecture with Eric's wonderful photographs introduced everything from distinctive features to countries of origin, feeders and their content to photography tips. After a break we heard more about the struggles these winter visitors face and the huge loss of bird populations during the harsh recent winters. After Hazel's wonderful lunch we had a chance to be involved with the catching of some birds by a licenced ringer. Birds were measured and weighed and we all had a chance to hold one of these little finches or their friends which was a real privilege. Q & A throughout the day and in our final warm up session. Great day - thank you!
Written 1 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, how do we schedule with you? I would like to schedule a private birding trip for my dad who is an experience birder for June! Around the dingle area? Please let me know what’s the best way to reach you and schedule! Thanks!
Written 14 March 2025
Hello
My son, birds lover, 17 years old, from Israel.We intend to arrive Ireland at the end of July for nine days, mainly, to see birds. Can you recommend us tour areas? Is there a place to join Bird ringingin in Ireland?
best regards
Irit
Written 8 July 2019
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