Whale and dolphin watching spots in Ireland

Ireland most definitely takes advantage of her island status and whale and dolphin watching arrive at the top of the list of attractions to enjoy. The government actually turned the coastal waters of Ireland into a sanctuary for whales and dolphins and this has no doubt contributed to the unprecedented number of animals entering our waters of late. There have been over 24 species of whale recorded in Irish waters with Minke and Fin whales generally arriving in July and Humpback whales coming later at the beginning of autumn.There have even been an increasing number of exotic sharks spotted off the Atlantic coast! Here are a few of the best places to catch a glimpse.

Go West
Peak season for whale watching is between September and November, while dolphins tend to come inshore a little earlier during the summer months. Ireland provides an ideal feeding ground for both whales and dolphins due to the warm currents and Dolphins are particularly attracted to the Ireland's western Atlantic coastline as its rugged and uneven nature creates little inlets and nestling ledges which are ideal for nursing calves. West Cork, Kerry and Clare are all ideal whale and dolphin watching locations although visitors would be well advised to wrap up warm as the Atlantic winds can be a little merciless!

Fungie
No dolphin watching tour would be complete without a visit to Ireland's star maritime attraction - Fungie the dolphin, who has been a long-time resident in Dingle, County Kerry. Nicknamed 'Fungie' by the locals, he is a mature male bottlenose dolphin who has been resident in Dingle since 1983. Those wishing to take a boat out to see him can also rent out a wetsuit and snorkelling equipment should they wish to swim alongside him.

For more information on Fungie and tours, go to www.dingledolphin.com.

Top Five Tours

• Whale Watch West Cork: Tours leaving daily with toilets and facilities for making hot drinks and a spacious wheelhouse with seating. For more information, go to www.whalewatchwestcork.com.

• Dolphin Watch Tours, Carrigaholt, County Clare: This special conservation area is home to around 140 dolphins and calves making it the largest resident group in Europe. For more information, go to www.dolphinwatch.ie.

• Blasket Islands Eco Tour, Dingle, County Kerry: This 3 hour guided tour of the Blasket Islands is an ideal and relaxing way to take in both geological and biological sites. As well as viewing whales and dolphins, visitors can also catch glimpses of basking sharks, seals, puffins and gannets as well as taking in the spectacular scenery of the Blaskets (one of which, Inishvickillaune, is home to a herd of Irish Red Deer) don't forget to keep an eye out for Dingle's most famous resident dolphin, Fungie! For more information, go to www.dinglebaycharters.com/pages/ecotour.htm.

• Baltimore Diving and Watersports Centre: For those who prefer to get a little more up close and personal with marine life, you can avail of dive training from beginner to instructor level. Boat charters for surveys, whale and dolphin watching, seal trips and island tours are also available.

• Baltimore Sea Safari: Sea Safari boat trips offer whale, dolphin and seal watching. Coastal sightseeing tours around the islands are also available. Enjoy these and more during a two-hour boat trip with Baltimore Sea Safari. For more information, go to www.baltimoreseasafari.ie.