The Irish Whale And Dolphin Group (IWDG) is hosting free shore-based guided whale-watching events around the Irish coast on Saturday 21 May to mark National Biodiversity Week. IWDG personnel will lead events in 5 counties, assisted by local members and experienced observers who will share their skills and experience on the day. It offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more … [Read more...] about Free shore-based whale watching events to mark National Biodiversity Week
Whales and Dolphins
Incredible humpback whale footage off Ireland’s south coast
This breathtaking drone footage of four Humpback Whales interacting with a pod of Short-beaked Common Dolphins was captured off the coast of West Cork in late April by researchers from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG).https://vimeo.com/332435303The footage is part of an exciting new project called Whale Track Ireland, initiated by the IWDG thanks to funding from … [Read more...] about Incredible humpback whale footage off Ireland’s south coast
Lunge-feeding Fin Whale caught on camera by drone
On a trip with West Cork based whale watching operator Cork Whale Watch last week, drone pilot and Ocean Research & Conservation Ireland (ORCIreland) Observer Greg Coleman captured some astonishing aerial footage of a gigantic Fin Whale lunge feeding through bait balls created by Short-beaked Common Dolphins (see the ORCIreland YouTube clip … [Read more...] about Lunge-feeding Fin Whale caught on camera by drone
Fantastic wildlife on our Discover Wildlife Weekend
Ireland's south coast delivered a very special wildlife experience for guests on our Discover Wildlife Weekend on the West Cork coast of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way last week.We kicked off on Friday evening with shore-based views of Humpback and Fin Whales blowing offshore. That was followed up with some fantastic encounters with these iconic ocean giants out on the water … [Read more...] about Fantastic wildlife on our Discover Wildlife Weekend
World class whale watching? Head for Ireland!
I'd had a fantastic day watching all manner of wildlife along the West Cork Coast with guests on one of our custom Discover Wildlife Tours recently. From basking sharks to choughs and jays, wildflowers and butterflies to common dolphins, minke whales, and much more besides... by any measure it had been an exciting day.We were finishing up the tour on Toe Head, a fabulous … [Read more...] about World class whale watching? Head for Ireland!
Humpback whale wows onlookers at Inchydoney
Inchydoney beach, near Clonakilty in West Cork, is one of the undisputed jewels along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. This outstanding blue flag beach draws visitors from far and wide, but earlier this week it was a visitor of a different kind that was getting all the attention.The sandy bottom in the bay off Inchydoney is perfect for small fish called sand eels -- and earlier … [Read more...] about Humpback whale wows onlookers at Inchydoney
Out of the blue: Ireland’s blue whales photographed
Blue whales are perhaps the most evocative and spectacular of all the great whale species. The largest animals ever to have lived on earth, there's an almost mythical quality surrounding these ocean giants. Hunted almost to extinction at the height of the whaling boom the species is thought to be recovering slowly. According to the IWDG species profile the North Atlantic blue … [Read more...] about Out of the blue: Ireland’s blue whales photographed
Minke whale extravaganza: amazing whale watching in West Cork!
I've been lucky enough to do quite a lot of whale watching in my time -- in some of the world's iconic whale watching hotspots. But last weekend West Cork, off the south coast of Ireland, reminded me once again that I live in a place that, on its day, can rival the best whale watching anywhere in the world.I'd heard through the grapevine that there was some … [Read more...] about Minke whale extravaganza: amazing whale watching in West Cork!
IWDG humpback research charter opened to non-members
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has opened up a research charter scheduled for tomorrow morning to non-members.The formerly "members only" research trip is hoping to find and photograph the humpback whale confirmed in the area yesterday afternoon, and is scheduled to leave Reen Pier, Union Hall, West Cork at 9am sharp... details via the IWDG provided … [Read more...] about IWDG humpback research charter opened to non-members
West Cork Whale Watching: Front Page News
Whale watching in West Cork is in the news again after this incredible shot made the front page of several national newspapers today.A humpback breaching off the West Cork Coast (c) Simon Duggan, All Rights ReservedIt is a once-in-a-lifetime moment captured by whale watcher and long time Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) member Simon Duggan. The boat in the … [Read more...] about West Cork Whale Watching: Front Page News
Incredible photograph of blue whales in Irish waters
Two blue whales cruise the waters 80-100 nautical miles off Ireland’s south coast The Irish Air Corps captured some phenomenal images last week when they encountered fin whales and two incredibly rare blue whales in Irish waters near the continental shelf edge about 80-100 nautical miles off Ireland's south coast. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's recently refurbished … [Read more...] about Incredible photograph of blue whales in Irish waters
