20 Irish headlands to host whale watchers
This year’s event coincides with the early arrival of humpback whales and other species of whales and dolphins along the Irish coast.
The purpose of the whale watch day is to raise awareness of the 24 species of cetaceans (porpoises, dolphins, and whales) recorded to date in all Irish waters, by giving IWDG members and the public an opportunity to look for and observe some of these marine mammals in their natural environment.
This event also provides IWDG researchers with a unique snapshot of whale and dolphin activity around the Irish coast.
This annual all-island event is free and open to all.
All watches are land-based and will be led by experienced IWDG researchers, enthusiasts, and whale watchers, who will explain how to observe and identify some of the more commonly recorded cetacean species seen in Irish waters.
If the weather is suitable today, there’s a good chance of seeing some interesting marine wildlife, and in the process participants will be supporting whale and dolphin conservation in Ireland.
While there is no guarantee that any whales or dolphins will be spotted at any of the locations, whales or dolphins were recorded at 15 of 20 sites (75%) during last year’s event.
The events will be held at the following locations today 2pm-5pm: Clogher Head, Co Louth; Howth Head, North Dublin; Killiney Bay, South Dublin; Bray Head, Co Wicklow; Hook Head, Co Wexford; Ardmore, Co Waterford; Galley Head, Co Cork; Garranes, Beara, Co Cork, Hog’s Head, Kerry; Valentia Island, Kerry; Clogher Head, Co Kerry; Loop Head, Co Clare; Black Head, North Clare; Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo; Mullaghmore Head, Co Sligo; Bloody Foreland, Co Donegal; Malin Head, Co Donegal; Ramore Head, Co Antrim; Portmuck, Co Antrim, Bloody Bridge, Co Down.
