Project Description

Loop Head has a rich natural history, hosts a wide variety of wildlife and already has a glowing reputation among geologists and birdwatchers.

The Loop Head Nature App would tie in with the Love Loop Head App - which is currently in development and which will provide general information for visitors to the area - and the Wild Loop Head website (www.wildloophead.com) which gives an overview on Loop Head’s natural heritage.

The app would be easy to use and aimed at both experienced nature enthusiasts, e.g. regular birdwatchers, hobby botanists and geologists, etc., as well as beginners who would like to learn about nature and gather experience in e.g. birdwatching or plant identification.

The Loop Head Nature App would be designed as an on-location tool - “what to see where” - and would provide detailed information on Loop Head’s habitats, animals and plants.

The app would also contain a database of all plants and animals that can be found on Loop Head, tips and tricks on how to ID plants and animals, background information on each species and a contributor function which would allow users to upload their sightings to the database.

Project Justification & Objectives

Loop Head is a special place that has something to offer for nature and wildlife enthusiasts all year round.

The Loop Head Nature App would make Loop Head’s wildlife accessible to all, beginners who are eager to learn more about nature as well as seasoned hobbyists as well as professionals.

The app would be a further step in putting Loop Head on the map as a major nature tourism destination which in the long run would create business opportunities and employment.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Together

• West Clare Wildlife Club

• Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt

• Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation

• Loop Head Tourism

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!