18 February 2024 marks World Whale Day, an annual celebration of some of the world’s most majestic and beautiful creatures.
World Whale Day was founded in Maui, Hawaii, but is now celebrated all over the world. The day of celebration was first created to celebrate humpback whales, which swim off the coast of the Hawaiian island.
This special occasion is celebrated on the third Sunday in February every year. As such, we thought we would mark the occasion by celebrating the most jaw-dropping spots for whale watching in Ireland, of which there are many.
Irish waters were declared a sanctuary for whales and dolphins in the early 1990s, thanks to Ireland’s reputation for celebrating and protecting these species.
From West Cork to Donegal and beyond, celebrate these majestic mammals today with a look at Ireland’s top whale-watching sites.
West Cork – the best spot for whale watching in Ireland
If you want to spot whales in Ireland, West Cork is perhaps your best bet. The best time of year to go whale watching in Ireland is around late summer or early autumn when whales arrive in the region.
Minke, fin, and humpback whales are the most spotted throughout the country. However, to date, 25 species of cetacean have been recorded in Irish waters.
As well as spotting whales, West Cork is a hub for the common dolphin. So, if you visit in the summer, you have great chances of seeing the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and more.
Top spots to go whale watching in West Cork include Dursey Island, Cape Clear Island, the Old Head of Kinsale, Mizen Head, and Sheep’s Head.
Donegal – majestic scenes along the Wild Atlantic Way
Head to the other end of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal for some of the country’s best whale-watching opportunities.
There are plenty of excellent whale-watching opportunities at several sites throughout the county.
Dolphin and whale watching in County Donegal is best embraced with a boat tour that takes you to the likes of the Slieve League Cliffs, Malin Head, Fanad Head, Dawros Head or Malin More Head.
West Kerry – giving West Cork a run for its money
While West Cork is the best region in Ireland for whale and wildlife watching, West Kerry gives it a run for its money.
Humpback whales are a common sighting from mid-June onwards. The great thing about whale watching in Kerry is that there are many land-based watching opportunities as well as boat trips.
For a boat trip, consider checking out Blasket Islands Eco Marine Tours in Ventry. Here, minke whale and common dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed.
If you prefer land-based whale watching, check out Slea Head and Clogher Head.
County Clare – home to Europe’s biggest pod of bottlenose dolphins
For more whale-watching opportunities in Ireland, consider a trip to County Clare. There are several tours in Clare that will take you out to Irish waters in the hopes of spotting some incredible wildlife.
Some of the best County Clare whale-watching sites include Carrigaholt on the Loop Head Peninsula. This is a special conservation area that is home to Europe’s biggest group of bottlenose dolphins.
You also have great chances of spotting whales and dolphins at Black Head, Kilkee Cliffs, and the Shannon Estuary.
Those are the four main counties where you’re likely to spot whales in the right season. However, there are whale-watching excursions elsewhere around the country, like in Galway, Sligo, Antrim and more.
Happy World Whale Day! Which whale-watching destination in Ireland do you like the sound of?
