Saturday, 22 August 2026
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
As part of National Heritage Week
Join us for Estuary Watch, a community dolphin watching event celebrating the natural and maritime heritage of the Shannon Estuary.
The Shannon Estuary is one of Ireland’s most remarkable coastal landscapes and is protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is home to Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins, as well as seabirds, otters, salmon, lamprey and a rich variety of coastal habitats.
During the event, IWDG officers and volunteers will host a series of coordinated watch points on both the Clare and Kerry sides of the Shannon Estuary. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Shannon Bottlenose dolphins, use binoculars and spotting scopes and take part in a coordinated one-hour continuous watch, beginning at 1:30 pm. During this survey, all watch points around the estuary will simultaneously record and count all dolphins observed, helping to build a snapshot of distribution and activity across the inner and outer Shannon Estuary.
No booking is required, just come along to any of the designated watch points and join the event.
A special watch point will also take place on Scattery Island Battery. Please note that Scattery Island is accessible by ferry only. Ferry tickets must be purchased separately, ferry charges apply, and visitors are advised to check the ferry timetable for crossing times on the day of the event. Advance booking is recommended, and participants can use the discount code IWDG2026 when booking their crossing.
Watch Point Locations
Clare
- Killimer Ferry Terminal – Hosted by Frances and Emilie. Contact: frances.bermingham@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.google.com/?q=52.614962,-9.381255 - Scattery Island – Hosted by Susi and Csilla. Contact: csilla.trungel@iwdg.ie
Ticket office and Car Park: https://maps.google.com/?q=52.614448,-9.514275
⛴ Ferry tickets must be booked separately. Use discount code IWDG2026 when booking your crossing. Advance booking is recommended. - Carrigaholt Castle – Hosted by Cian and Trea. Contact: cian.nilan@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d4veScj7FfHnDjpt7 - Loop Head – Hosted by Simon and Mags. Contact: simon.berrow@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.google.com/?q=52.560901,-9.930460
Kerry
- Tarbert Ferry Terminal – Hosted by Jack. Contact: jack.ocallaghan@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/36sqon2LoSuQdJMs8 - Beal Point – Hosted by Eva and Louis. Contact:eva.lambert@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vHceUBV9PoQq4NoR8 - Bromore Cliffs – Joanne and Ballybunion Tidy Towns. Contact: joanne.obrien@iwdg.ie
Car Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRXwKwnvY4zqSTHN8
Participant Guidelines
By attending this event, participants acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety and should follow the guidance of IWDG staff and volunteers at all times. Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and take care when visiting coastal locations, which may include uneven terrain and exposed cliff edges.
Before attending, please read our IWDG Participant Guidelines for Land based Whale Watching.
Please note that attendance is at your own risk. We reserves the right to amend, relocate or cancel watch points in the interest of participant safety or due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
