In the early 1990s, the government declared the coastal waters of Ireland as a whale and dolphin sanctuary. It was the first of its kind in Europe and it led to a huge increase in whale watching.
The west and south coasts of Ireland are very popular feeding grounds for dolphins while some whales feed in Irish waters for 7 months of the year.
West Cork
West Cork is one of the richest areas for whale watching in Ireland. 12 different species of whale and dolphin have been found on the shores of West Cork over the past few years.
The most common types of whale seen in off West Cork are the Minke Whales, Fin Whales and Humpback Whales. These generally arrive in May and stay a few kilometres off the coast until December.
Two dolphins
Two short-beaked common dolphins in motion off the coast of County Cork
Image courtesy of Nic SlocumTwo dolphins
Image courtesy of Nic Slocum
Image courtesy of Nic Slocum
Two dolphins
Two short-beaked common dolphins in motion off the coast of County Cork
Image courtesy of Nic SlocumDolphins
West Cork plays host to large numbers of Harbour Porpoises and Common Dolphins. There have also been sightings of the less common Bottlenose Dolphins.
If you are very lucky, it is also possible to catch a glimpse of some Killer Whales (Orca) and the long-finned Pilot Whales.