Whale Watch Ireland, the annual Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) nationwide public whale watching event, has switched dates for 2024.
Now in its 22nd year, this coordinated national event takes place simultaneously at 11 sites around the Irish coast, which means there is a good chance that at least one site will be within striking distance for most people. Traditionally held on the third weekend in August, as part of National Heritage Week, this year the IWDG has decided to bring the event forward to Saturday 18 May, as part of National Biodiversity Week.
Writing on the organisation’s website, IWDG Sightings Coordinator Padraig Whooley explains:
“This year’s event is being held earlier than usual in order to coincide with National Biodiversity Week Ireland which runs between May 17th-26th. We’re also hoping that in bringing it forward to early, rather than late summer, the odds of our delivering this event in more suitable weather will improve, as late August has done us very few favours in recent years!”
These simultaneous land-based effort watches around the Irish coast provide the IWDG with a unique snapshot of whale and dolphin activity on the day, as well as offering a great opportunity for interested members of the public to learn more about cetaceans in Irish waters. With expert observers on hand at each location, there’s also a high probability of seeing whale and dolphin activity on the day, provided the conditions are suitable.
The two hour event is free, and takes place from 17:00-19:00 at the 11 locations detailed below (info via the IWDG Website):
Location Meeting Pt. Leader name Phone Howth Head, Nth Co. Dublin Balscadden Car park Ronan Hickey 086 3391142 ronan.hici@gmail.com Bray Head, Co. Wicklow Raheen Cliff walk car Park Justin Ivory 087 6833898 jcivory67@gmail.com Helvic Head, Co. Waterford The High Car park Andrew Malcolm 087 7952061 oxmoron@gmail.com Galley Hd, West Cork Lighthouse Pádraig Whooley 086 3850568 padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie Slea Head, Co. Kerry Layby Nick Massett 087 6736341 nickmassett@hotmail.com Loop Head Co. Clare Lighthouse Simon Berrow 086 8545450 simon.berrow@iwdg.ie * Nimmo’s Pier, Galway City Parking at the Claddagh Marcus Hogan 085 8772223 marcushogan4@gmail.com Erris Head, Co. Mayo Erris car park Tom Breathnach 087 2688435 tunas-insoles-01@icloud.com Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo Mullaghmore Layby Rossa Meade 086 0632081 rossameade@gmail.com Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim RSPB West Light Visitor Centre James Crymble 077 72879038 James.Crymble@rspb.org.uk Bloody Bridge, Co. Down Car park Andy Carden 077 62019160 andycarden58@hotmail.com * Please note the watch at Nimmo’s pier, Galway may be brought forward for an earlier start. So check in with leader (Marcus Hogan) for more details closer to the time
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG.ie)
For more information check out the Whale Watch Ireland page on the IWDG website — and before you head out, be sure to check out our top tips for watching whales and dolphins to improve your chances.
These events are well worth attending, if you can make it. I’ll be heading for the Galley Head watch in West Cork — and hope to see some of you there.
