The arrival of species like minke and humpback whales and other species of whales and dolphins along the Irish coast is a good omen for this year’s All Island Whale Watch day.
The day will help to raise awareness of the 25 species of cetaceans (porpoises, dolphins and whales) recorded to date in all Irish waters, by giving the public an opportunity to look for and observe some of these wonderful marine mammals in their natural environment.
This annual, all-island event is free and open to all, helping to provide the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) researchers with a unique snapshot of whale and dolphin activity around the Irish coast.
Whale Watch Ireland, will once again be part of Heritage Week, co-ordinated by the Heritage Council www.heritagecouncil.ie
Those intent on attending should bring binoculars or a spotting scope and dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions.
There are no boat trips involved, and there is of course no guarantee that you will see whales or dolphins at your chosen site; but at last year’s event whales or dolphins were recorded at 14 of 19 sites (73.6%).
The closest events locally are at Helvic Head, Co. Waterford (Helvic high car park) and Galley Head., Co. Cork (at the Lighthouse).
So, why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group at a local headland between 2pm-5pm on Saturday, 24th August.
Please contact your local organiser for further details – Pádraig Whooley (Cork watch) 086 3850568 or Andrew Malcolm 087 7952061 (Waterford Watch). Alternatively, visit the IWDG website www.iwdg.ie
