Where to
do a watch?

Ireland’s Coastal Whale Trail showcases some of the finest land-based whale and dolphin watching locations around the Irish coast. Stretching from Donegal to Cork and from Antrim to Waterford, these spectacular headlands and viewpoints offer visitors the chance to experience Ireland’s rich marine wildlife from shore.

Whether you are an experienced watcher or simply discovering Ireland’s whales and dolphins for the first time, the Coastal Whale Trail provides accessible locations where you can enjoy and learn more about the species found in Irish waters.

Many of these locations also host events as part of Whale Watch Ireland, the IWDG’s flagship annual whale watching event, which has been running for over two decades. Held each year during Biodiversity Week, Whale Watch Ireland brings together local communities, volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts at selected coastal sites around the country to celebrate and record Ireland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises.

You don’t need to go to sea to enjoy unforgettable encounters with cetaceans. A good vantage point, a pair of binoculars and a little patience can reveal feeding seabirds, dolphins close inshore or even the blow of a whale offshore. Every watch helps build our understanding of Ireland’s marine biodiversity and contributes valuable sightings information for conservation and research.