Yearly whale and dolphin watch event to take place at Loop Head Lighthouse

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, in association with Inis, invite you to Whale Watch Ireland 2024 at Loop Head.

This annual event, now in its 22nd year, comprises free and guided whale watches at local headlands and vantage points, as part of All-Ireland whale watch day.

This year’s event is being held earlier than usual, on Saturday, May 18, in order to coincide with National Biodiversity Week Ireland which runs between May 17th-26th.

The Clare watch site is Loop Head Lighthouse.

Read More: Clare’s biodiversity will take centre stage for National Biodiversity Week 2024

"We’re also hoping that in bringing it forward to early, rather than late summer, the odds of our delivering this event in more suitable weather will improve, as late August has done us very few favours in recent years!," the IWDG said.

"These simultaneous land-based watches at 11 sites around the Irish coast provide IWDG researchers, whale enthusiasts and Citizen Scientists alike with a unique overview of whale and dolphin activity on the day and you can play an important part by joining us and watching with us."

While there are of course no guarantees of sightings, given reasonable weather, people will have a good chance of seeing some of the marine species that can be viewed locally.

"We advise participants to dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day," the IWDG said.

"Please note, there are no boats involved and no bookings necessary. There may be a short, elevated walk from the meeting point to your watch site, so sensible footwear is recommended, and your local watch may not be wheelchair accessible. You should bring binoculars, your sense of humour and refreshments, but please leave your pets at home".

This event is suitable for all ages and is aimed at everyone from the novice wildlife enthusiast to more experienced naturalist, with a keen interest in marine wildlife and biological recording.

In the event of unsuitable weather the local watch leader may need to cancel your local event at short notice; so, if any doubt, please check in with them using the contact details below or on www.iwdg.ie/events.

If you’ve any further questions in the lead up to the event, the Clare watch leader, Simon Berrow, can be contacted at simon.berrow@iwdg.ie.