In 2016, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Irish waters as a
whale and dolphin sanctuary by undertaking a tour around the Irish coast on its research vessel, the Celtic Mist. Due to the success of the 2016 tour, the IWDG is again undertaking a cruise in 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of Irish waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary, highlight the work of the IWDG, carry out cetacean research and conduct outreach and education events while in port. The Celtic Mist will be crewed by IWDG members and have marine biologists onboard to carry out research and to educate the public on whales and dolphins.
The tour will depart Kilrush in Co Clare in early May, heading south to Kerry and Cork before cruising around the south east to Dublin and Drogheda and finally sailing back around to Cork and Galway. The aim is to call into as many ports as possible, inviting school groups to visit the boat and attending festivals, such as Riverfest in Limerick and Dublin, Glandore and the Maritime Festival in Drogheda.
2017 Tour Dates
The cruise legs and dates for 2017 are listed below. If you would like to find out more about the cruise or how you can get involved, please email: enquiries@iwdg.ie
Launch – April May 28th to April 30th/May 1st – Weekend in Limerick at Riverfest
Leg 1 – May 3 to May 5 or 6 – Kilrush to Fenit
Leg 2 – May 8 to May 14 Fenit to Baltimore
Leg 3 – May 15 to May 21 Baltimore to Cork
Leg 4 – May 22 to May 28 Cork to Cork
Leg 5 – May 29 to June 4 Cork to Dublin
Leg 6 – June 5 to June 11 Dublin to Drogheda
Leg 7 – June 12 to June 18 Drogheda to Cork
Leg 8 – June 19 to June 25 Cork to Galway – FULL
Leg 9 – June 26 to July 2 At Galway
Leg 10 – July 3 to July 9 Galway to Fenit
Leg 12 – August 17 to 24 Fenit-Kinvara-Fenit