East Galway Swift Survey Talk - Loughrea

Common swifts or gabhlán gaoithe (Apus apus) are extraordinary birds: despite being only slightly larger than a swallow, they are among the fastest birds in the world and undertake long-distance migrations between feeding grounds in Africa and summer breeding grounds across Europe (including Ireland) every year. Returning Irish swifts come here to breed and raise chicks, usually in the exact same nesting site and with the same long-term mate.

Modern swifts mostly depend on small crevices in buildings for nesting sites, which are one of the first targets during building modernisation and repair. Because swift nests are so well-hidden, such home improvements are often carried out by people who have no idea that they are blocking established nests.

Galway County Council has teamed up with BirdWatch Ireland to conduct a swift survey in East Galway, so that we can find out where these birds nest and take measures to protect their nesting sites without interfering with building improvement works. Join swift surveyor Éabha Garry to hear about her ongoing work, where she has found swifts in Loughrea, Portumna and Ballinasloe, and how to support the conservation of these birds as part of Ireland's biodiversity and natural heritage.

This project is support by the Heritage Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fund 2025 and Galway County Council in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland. This talk is hosted and supported by Loughrea Tidy Towns.

Note Venue is wheelchair accessible