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 yr, this coordinated nationwide occasion takes place concurrently at 11 websites across the Irish coast, which suggests there’s a good likelihood that at the least one web site can be inside placing distance for most individuals. Historically held on the third weekend in August, as a part of Nationwide Heritage Week, this yr the IWDG has determined to carry the occasion ahead to Saturday 18 Could, as a part of Nationwide Biodiversity Week.
Writing on the organisation’s web site, IWDG Sightings Coordinator Padraig Whooley explains:
“This yr’s occasion is being held sooner than standard with a purpose to coincide with Nationwide Biodiversity Week Eire which runs between Could 17th-26th. We’re additionally hoping that in bringing it ahead to early, somewhat than late summer time, the chances of our delivering this occasion in additional appropriate climate will enhance, as late August has accomplished us only a few favours lately!”
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 a fantastic alternative for members of the general public to study extra about cetaceans in Irish waters. With professional observers readily available at every location, there’s additionally a excessive chance of seeing whale and dolphin exercise on the day, offered the situations are appropriate.
The 2 hour occasion is free, and takes place from 17:00-19:00 on the 11 areas detailed beneath (information by way of the IWDG Web site):
Location Assembly Pt. Chief title Cellphone Howth Head, Nth Co. Dublin Balscadden Automobile park Ronan Hickey 086 3391142 [email protected] Bray Head, Co. Wicklow Raheen Cliff stroll automobile 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 automobile 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 Gentle Customer Centre James Crymble 077 72879038 [email protected] Bloody Bridge, Co. Down Automobile park Andy Carden 077 62019160 [email protected] * Please notice the watch at Nimmo’s pier, Galway could also be introduced ahead for an earlier begin. So examine in with chief (Marcus Hogan) for extra particulars nearer to the time
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG.ie)
For extra info try the Whale Watch Eire web page on the IWDG web site — and earlier than you head out, you should definitely try our prime ideas for watching whales and dolphins to enhance your possibilities.
These occasions are effectively value attending, if you can also make it. I’ll be heading for the Galley Head watch in West Cork — and hope to see a few of you there.
