Reddit reviews Ireland's Garden Birds: A Guide to Attracting and Identifying Garden Birds

I got the RPSB Birds of Britain and Europe and I swear by it. I got it when I knew nothing about birds and it's very easy to navigate. It breaks it down in groups so if you know a bird looks like, say a sparrow then you can work from there. You'll never want for another guide (as long as you don't leave Europe).

If you want something more specific there's Ireland's Garden Birds but if I were you I'd go with the RSPB guide if you plan on going out into the field.

The Birds of Ireland might be good but I've not looked at it so I can't recommend it.

There's also Ireland's Birds: Myths, Legends & Folklore which is a lovely book filled with folk tales about Ireland's birds but isn't a guide just nice background info and there's also one for Ireland's Animals

Check out the Irish Wildlife Trust website and Bird Watch Ireland. Look for them on FB too, I bet there's Cork branches of both that could probably give you more specific advice for that area of the country.

With regards to equipment I don't think you need invest much at the beginning, a pair of binoculars couldn't hurt but you don't need to break the bank with a top end pair.

If you are planning on venturing out into the fields then save yourself some heartache and get a decent pair of walking boots (only if it's going to be regular, old trainers will probably do if it's just every now and then) the same goes for a rain coat.

As far as general advice goes it's all fairly common sense stuff.

• Don't disturb nests
  
  
• If you're going onto private land seek the landowners permission
  
  
• If you're planning to go off into nature on your own just let someone know the general area you'll be and when you expect to be back. It's unlikely that anything will happen but it's not impossible.
  
  
• Be patient.
  
  
• You're going to get wet feet.
  
  
• Bring a little notebook and take down the characteristics of what you saw. (Size, colour etc) It's easier than carrying the guide around all day, or if you have a camera try and get a picture of the bird.