Ireland is not widely known as one of the whale watching capitals of the world, but maybe it should be. The waters of the Irish coast have hosted 24 different species of whales and dolphins as a summer feeding ground. These massive marine creatures migrate to Ireland every year to feed on a variety of small shoaling fish. In the 1990s, the coastal waters were declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary by the Irish government. Today, whale watching in Ireland is a popular activity for tourists and natives alike.
The most commonly seen whales in the coastal waters of Ireland are Fin Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales. These whales are typically seen off the southern coast. West Cork, an area located in south west Ireland, is a popular destination for whale watching in Ireland. The waters off West Cork are clear and unpolluted, which both attracts whales and makes it easy for them easily spotted.
Humpback whales in coastal waters of Ireland
Whales can be seen just a few kilometers off the coast. Whale watching boats take tourists and visitors on tours through the southern waters to encounter the whales up close. The whale watching season runs from May through January. The first whales to arrive are the Minke Whales, who arrive in May and stay through December. These whales are among the smallest of the Baleen Whales and weigh on average about 4-5 tonnes. The Fin Whales are the next to arrive in early summer, and they stay through January. These whales are much bigger than the Minke Whales and are known for the long, slender build. The second largest whales in the water, the estimated weight of an adult Fin Whale is over 65 tonnes.
Humpback Whales sightings are the real prize for most whale watchers. These whales are the last to arrive in August, and they stay through January. Known for their acrobatics in the water, Humpback Whales usually weigh around 35-40 tonnes. Sightings of Humpback whales are not as predictable as sightings of Minke and Fin Whales. Occasionally a Killer Whale or Long-finned Pilot Whale can also be seen in Irish waters.
Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd
