Estuary Watch 2026: A Successful Day on the Shannon Estuary
As part of National Heritage Week, Estuary Watch 2026 took place on Saturday, 22 August, bringing communities together on both sides of the Shannon Estuary to celebrate its rich natural and maritime heritage.
Loop Head WP
Carrigaholt Castle WP
Killimer Ferry Terminal WP
Estuary Watch was organised as a community dolphin-watching event, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the Shannon Estuary and its resident population of bottlenose dolphins. IWDG officers and volunteers hosted coordinated watch points on the Clare and Kerry shores.
Scattery Island WP
Beal Point WP
New IWDG Publication: Irish Cetacean Review 2010-2025
A key part of the event was a one-hour coordinated watch, beginning at 1:30pm, during which the different watch points simultaneously recorded dolphin sightings. Bottlenose dolphins were reported from three watch points: Tarbert Ferry Terminal, Beal Point and Bromore Cliffs. A minke whale was also sighted from Loop Head, adding another exciting highlight to the afternoon.
Loop Head WP
Kilcredaun WP
Bromore Cliffs WP
Tarbert Ferry Terminal WP
Scattery Island WP
Killimer Ferry Terminal WP
Overall, Estuary Watch was a very positive experience, with good weather, a steady flow of visitors and plenty of interest in the wildlife of the Shannon Estuary. Following the success of this year’s event, we are now considering making Estuary Watch a yearly event as part of National Heritage Week.
Csilla Trungel
IWDG Coordination and Communication Officer
