Marine Water Body Habitats: Sea Inlets and Bays

Sea Inlets and Bays are found all along the Irish coastline and range from exposed to sheltered coastal areas. They can stretch at least 2km inland and are made up of salty sea water, with only some or no freshwater present. 

The presence of a fresh water source can result in the formation of an estuary in the upper region of the bay.  The seabed of bays and inlets vary in composition, with mudflats and sandflats found in sheltered bays and courser material found on exposed shorelines. Dingle and Dublin Bay are example of large bays found along the irish coastline.