This year for Heritage Week, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group hosted two special events to connect people with Ireland’s rich marine heritage.
Our first event was a series of Open Days at the Shannon Dolphin Centre in Kilrush, which ran for five days. We welcomed many visitors, both locals and tourists, who enjoyed free guided tours of the Centre. Guests explored our new Whale Trail maps, interactive signage, and the digital kiosk on the Shannon Dolphins, learning more about the resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the estuary.
On Water Heritage Day, we hosted a Whale Watch Day at Loop Head Headland, beside the iconic Loop Head Lighthouse. With our base at Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Rock, we were blessed with stunning weather and a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Joined by members of the Clare IWDG group, we had incredible sightings: first a small pod of bottlenose dolphins, followed by a large group of common dolphins and again a second pod of bottlenose dolphins. As if on cue, a minke whale appeared in the midst of a bustling seabird colony, giving visitors a true spectacle of Ireland’s marine life.
We would like to sincerely thank The Heritage Council for its supports to these events, and the SECAD Wind Farm Community Fund for the beautiful new signage at the Shannon Dolphin Centre. Most of all, thank you to the many people who are joined us celebrating this years Heritage Week and shared in these unforgettable experiences.
Csilla Trungel
IWDG Coordination and Communication Officer