Whale Watch Eire, the annual Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) nationwide public whale watching occasion, has switched dates for 2024.
Now in its twenty second 12 months, this coordinated nationwide occasion takes place concurrently at 11 websites across the Irish coast, which suggests there’s a good probability that at the least one website will probably be inside hanging distance for most individuals. Historically held on the third weekend in August, as a part of Nationwide Heritage Week, this 12 months the IWDG has determined to deliver the occasion ahead to Saturday 18 Might, as a part of Nationwide Biodiversity Week.
Writing on the organisation’s web site, IWDG Sightings Coordinator Padraig Whooley explains:
“This 12 months’s occasion is being held sooner than typical with a purpose to coincide with Nationwide Biodiversity Week Eire which runs between Might 17th-26th. We’re additionally hoping that in bringing it ahead to early, quite than late summer season, the chances of our delivering this occasion in additional appropriate climate will enhance, as late August has executed us only a few favours in recent times!”
These simultaneous land-based effort watches across the Irish coast present the IWDG with a novel snapshot of whale and dolphin exercise on the day, in addition to providing an ideal alternative for members of the general public to be taught extra about cetaceans in Irish waters. With knowledgeable observers readily available at every location, there’s additionally a excessive chance of seeing whale and dolphin exercise on the day, supplied the circumstances are appropriate.
The 2 hour occasion is free, and takes place from 17:00-19:00 on the 11 places detailed under (information through the IWDG Web site):
Location Assembly Pt. Chief identify Cellphone Howth Head, Nth Co. Dublin Balscadden Automobile park Ronan Hickey 086 3391142 [email protected] Bray Head, Co. Wicklow Raheen Cliff stroll automotive Park Justin Ivory 087 6833898 [email protected] Helvic Head, Co. Waterford The Excessive Automobile park Andrew Malcolm 087 7952061 [email protected] Galley Hd, West Cork Lighthouse Pádraig Whooley 086 3850568 [email protected] Slea Head, Co. Kerry Layby Nick Massett 087 6736341 [email protected] Loop Head Co. Clare Lighthouse Simon Berrow 086 8545450 [email protected] * Nimmo’s Pier, Galway Metropolis Parking on the Claddagh Marcus Hogan 085 8772223 [email protected] Erris Head, Co. Mayo Erris automotive park Tom Breathnach 087 2688435 [email protected] Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo Mullaghmore Layby Rossa Meade 086 0632081 [email protected] Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim RSPB West Mild Customer Centre James Crymble 077 72879038 [email protected] Bloody Bridge, Co. Down Automobile park Andy Carden 077 62019160 [email protected] * Please be aware the watch at Nimmo’s pier, Galway could also be introduced ahead for an earlier begin. So verify in with chief (Marcus Hogan) for extra particulars nearer to the time
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG.ie)
For extra info take a look at the Whale Watch Eire web page on the IWDG web site — and earlier than you head out, make sure you take a look at our high suggestions for watching whales and dolphins to enhance your possibilities.
These occasions are nicely price attending, if you may make it. I’ll be heading for the Galley Head watch in West Cork — and hope to see a few of you there.
