Introduction
Course facilitator, IWDG Sightings Officer, Pádraig Whooley
Looking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) www.iwdg.ie, Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO, on a weekend whale-watching course in West Cork during summer 2025. In taking part, you will also be actively supporting whale and dolphin conservation and research in Ireland.
Our 2025 residential weekends are once again based at the CECAS centre, Leap, West Cork www.cecas.ie, and combine a relaxed learning experience at this former religious retreat, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the 26 species of cetaceans that can be found in Irish waters. Your course facilitator and guide will be IWDG Sighting Officer, Pádraig Whooley, who has delivered similar weekend courses since 2002. Suitable from ages of 18 years upwards, our courses cater for all levels of interest, from the complete novice to the wildlife enthusiast who’d like to learn:
- more about Ireland’s whales and dolphins as well as our other species of marine megafauna
- how to find and identify them
- about IWDG’s two recording schemes (sightings & strandings)
- how you as Citizen Scientists can contribute to the conservation of these magnificent animals
- our latest research and findings.
Course content
Participants will attend a series of engaging indoor, illustrated presentations and guided land-based watches, during which you will learn the field-skills required to observe, identify and record these magnificent marine mammals. Incorporated into the weekend will be a 4-5 hr boat trip with our partners at Cape Clear Ferries, departing from Baltimore, when we’ll survey for large whales in the productive offshore area beyond Cape Clear Island. This boat trip is subject to weather and can be paid for on the day (€50 pp).
The venue
The venue, the CECAS Ctr. in Leap, west Cork
These weekends are essentially residential and based at the CECAS Centre near Leap village, west Cork. We envisage most participants booking this accommodation, which comprises a range of affordable and comfortable room options, some of which are En Suite. Set among 30 acres of woodland overlooking Glandore Harbour in the heart of coastal West Cork, this historic former retreat is a peaceful and magical place for tranquility, nature and relaxation, and is also convenient for the towns of Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Leap, Glandore, Union Hall and Skibbereen. A great base for exploring this wonderful area. Of course, if you live locally or are on holidays in the area, then you won’t need accommodation, which is not a problem.
How to book
This is a two-step process
- You first need to book the course with IWDG on Eventbrite (cost €100 or €135 see link below)
- You should then book your accommodation & food at CECAS (details below)
Course fee per person is as follows:
Places are secured on receipt of your booking for your place(s) via the Eventbrite link below. Full refunds will be given in the event of IWDG cancelling your course or if for health reasons you can’t attend, giving us at least 48 hrs notice. Please note that our courses will NOT be cancelled due to a poor weather outlook. We can still deliver the course; only more of it will be held indoors. Some of our best weekends have been held during truly atrocious weather.
If you wish to stay residentially at CECAS, once your place(s) are booked secured with IWDG (step 1), you should contact Klaudyna @ CECAS, e: admin@greenskibbereen.ie to book your accommodation/meals (step 2). Remember, rooms are limited and available on a first come first served basis. CECAS will send you a fund request once you book with them for their fee, which are outlined below.
Course fee payable to IWDG via Eventbrite (link below)
- IWDG Member (Includes: tuition, watches, materials, use of facilities & lunch on Saturday) = €100
- Non-member (all above PLUS 1 year membership of IWDG) = €135
Accommodation & food payable to CECAS
Eg: Single room (2 nights), breakfast x2 & evening meal x1 (Saturday) = €149
See full list of room type prices below
Optional (but recommended)
- Whale Watch boat trip Saturday, pay operator on day (Weather Permitting) €50
- Non-Residents who opt for evening meal on Sat. can settle with IWDG on day €28
CECAS room options and prices per room (inclusive of VAT), based on a 2 night stay are:
- 14 x Single rooms (max. 1 person) €100
- 6 x Twin rooms (max 2 ppl, 2x single beds) €126
- 4 x Double rooms en suite (2 ppl, double bed) €170
- 1 x Triple room en suite (suitable 3 ppl) €194
- 1 x Family room en suite (suitable 4 ppl) €218
Food prices, inclusive of VAT, per person (vegetarian options provided on all meals)
- Breakfast x2 @ €10.50 (Sat. & Sun.) €21
- Evening meal x1 (Saturday only) €28
**Please note there will be no food available at CECAS on Fridays. So don’t arrive hungry!
Bookings link for May 23-25th Course:
Bookings link for Sept. 12-14th Course:
Enquiries or further details, email padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie , Ph. 00 353 (0)86 3850568
Land based watches from nearby Cloghna Head, West Cork
Always a highlight of any trip……humpback whale
Common dolphins are seen on pretty much all trips