IrishWildlife Lover Gift Guide
A few ideas for gifts for wildlife lovers, however remember to be mindful of waste this season and our impact on wildlife and the earth.
Binoculars
Ideal for bird watching and land based whale watching both accessible and cheap ways to observe nature in Ireland! If they already have a pair consider a mini pair to keep in the dashboard or handbag
2. Seal Rescue Ireland ‘Adopt a Seal’ Pack
Gift a virtual adoption pack to support an Irish charity in their caring and rehabilitation of seal pups around the coast and education programmes
3. Wildlife Rescue Cork 2025 Calendar
Support a local cork wildlife rescue centre ran completely by volunteers who also work full time, the work they do for cork wildlife is incredible! link
4. Bird Watch Ireland Merch
Have your loved one look super cool in some bird watching merch and support their important work
5. Gift a membership to an Irish wildlife organisation such as Irish Wildlife Trust or Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
Have access to newsletters and print editions of their quarterly respective magazines
6. The High Seas by Olive Heffernan
My current read. An Irish science writer and marine ecologist presents a comprehensive look into the two thirds of the ocean which fall beyond the national jurisdiction of any country. ‘If we’re talking about living space on Earth, the high seas are 95 percent of whats available.’
Pro tip is to ask your local bookshop if they can get a book in for you, support local!
7. Nature Boy by Seán Ronayne
I haven’t read this yet but I went to a screening of his documentary earlier in the year and was really moved by his story and love for wildlife and birds!
8. Hamper of Native seeds or voucher for a local garden centre
Encourage your loved one to garden for pollinators or grow their own food coming into spring! Could include a book on nature-friendly gardening practices. Be careful with ‘wildlflower’ seed packets as most are not native even if they seem so, do some research.
Interesting article: Two Million Gardens: Ireland’s New National Park? by Dr. Christine Mullan-Jensen
9. A wildlife photography print from a local wildlife photographer
You can find these in local craft shops and markets. Bonus would be to get a frame for it!
Make sure the photographer doesn’t bait and that it is taken from a respectful distance and not of nests etc.
10. Biodiversity or Environment Course
Gift a loved one a place on a nature-based course by a local provider especially good for those getting into wildlife. Here is one in CECAS, Leap after christmas - for transparency reasons I do work there sometimes but they didn’t ask me to add it.
11. Camping trip or tent
Camping is such a good way to connect and observe nature especially for those who may be living in more urban areas. Campsites allow designated areas for tents minimising interference with habitats and provide comforts such as bathrooms and showers while exploring the local area. Some nice campsites I’ve been to are Cleire Haven on Cape Clear Island and North Shore on Sherkin Island, both islands are lovely for observing wildlife.
When wild camping remember to be mindful and follow Leave No Trace principles. Guide from Leave No Trace Ireland.
