Whale Tales 2025 – Shared Stories from the Sea
Hosted by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
November 7–9 | Belfast
We’re delighted to announce that Whale Tales 2025 is heading to Belfast this November! This much-loved event brings together IWDG members and anyone interested in whales, dolphins, and porpoises around Ireland for a weekend of shared stories, learning, and connection.
WT25 Programme:
Friday, November 7 | Hastings Europa Hotel | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Free event, Open to All, but registration is required as seats are limited.
Theme: Talking Whale
An evening of shared stories, inspiring talks, and personal encounters that highlight the connections between whales, dolphins, and people. Featuring insights from IWDG officers, HWDT guest speaker Sadie Gorvett, and Damian Smith (TwoTanks Photography) who will be sharing his encounters and stories. The night ends with a relaxed networking session.
Saturday, November 8 | W5 at Titanic Quarter | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
9:30 AM: Registration
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Morning Session
10:00 AM Who We Are
10:15–10:50 AM Sightings, Photo ID, Strandings & Live Strandings updates with the IWDG team, with guest speaker Suzanne Beck (AFBI Senior Scientific Officer) on Bottlenose Dolphin Photo ID in NI
10:50 AM Discussion
11:00 AM Coffee Break
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Session 1: Outreach, Policy, and IWDG Community
-
Panel Discussion: Outreach, Memberships, IWDG Local Groups & Engagement
-
Policy / ORE / MPAs Update
-
Guest Speaker: Sadie Gorvett, HWDT: West Coast community of Killer Whales
-
Q&A Session
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM Lunch break & Pop-Up Shop
2:15 PM – 5:00 PM Session 2: IWDG in Northern Ireland
-
Marine data insights from across Northern Ireland, with IWDG officers and members, marine ecologists, NIMTF and CEDaR
-
Underwater photography by Damian Smith from 2Tanks
-
Project updates: Live Stranding Training, Offshore Surveys, Faroese Surveys, and ACCLIMATISE project.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Coffee Break
🎟️ 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Raffle Draw
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Closing Wrap
Sunday, November 9 | Whale Tales Wrap-Up | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Optional Activities:
- Headland Watch at Black Head: Join IWDG’s new NI Officer, Rachele, for a headland watch and learn more about local marine life. (Subject to weather)
End of Weekend
Event Costs:
- IWDG Members Registration (€25): Includes Saturday venue, a light lunch, and refreshments (AM & PM).
- IWDG Non- Members Registration(€70): Includes all the above, plus a one year IWDG membership. We encourage you to purchase a membership first to avail of the discounted members’ registration.
BOOK your ticket and mark this lovely weekend in your diary!
Book Your Ticket Now!