Whale Watch Ireland 2026

On Saturday 23^rd May the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG) invites you to join us at a local headland or vantage point for Whale Watch Ireland 2026, between 5:00-7:00 PM. This annual event, now in its 24^th year, comprises free and guided watches at 18 local sites as part of All-Ireland whale watch day.

This year’s event is once again being held to coincide with National Biodiversity Week Ireland which runs between May 15^th-24^th.  It is also hoped that moving it from late summer, will improve our odds of hosting this outdoor event in better weather conditions, as in recent years late August has simply become too unreliable with strong winds and rain. These simultaneous land-based watches at the 18 sites listed below (see map above) from around the Irish coast provide IWDG researchers, whale enthusiasts and Citizen Scientists alike with a unique overview of whale and dolphin activity on the day and you can play an important part.

Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo, Whale Watch Ireland 2025 © Rossa Meade, IWDG

While there are of course no guarantees of sightings, given reasonable weather you have a good chance of seeing some of the species that inhabit your local waters. We advise participants to dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day.  Please note, there are no boats involved and no bookings necessary.  As some sites will require a short walk, sensible footwear is recommended.  You should bring binoculars ( and spotting scope), your sense of humour and refreshments. Please leave your pets at home.

This event is suitable for all ages and is aimed at everyone from the novice wildlife enthusiast to more experienced naturalist, with a keen interest in marine wildlife and biological recording, who’d like to learn more.  In the event of unsuitable weather (wind and rain) your watch leader may need to cancel your local event at short notice; so, if any doubt, please check in with them using the contact details below or on www.iwdg.ie/events.  But don’t hesitate to contact them, or the event’s organiser, if you’ve any further questions in the lead up to your event.

Media or general enquiries to:  Pádraig Whooley, IWDG Sightings Officer

Phone: 353 (0)86 3850568, e: sightings@iwdg.ie 

Back