#WhaleWatchDay - The 2016 All Island Whale Watch Day takes place on Saturday 27 August as part of Heritage Week.
All are invited to join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) at any of 20 land-based whale watches on headlands around the Irish coast from 2pm-5pm on the day.
The purpose of Whale Watch Ireland is to raise awareness of the 25 species of cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises – recorded to date in Irish waters, by providing the opportunity to see them in their natural environment.
The event also provides IWDG researchers with a unique snapshot of cetacean activity off the Irish coast.
Though sightings can't be guaranteed, the early arrival of humpback whales among others this year is surely a good omen, especially for those along the south coast between West Cork and Wexford.
And with three-quarters of sites reporting whale or dolphin sightings on last year's Whale Watch Day, the odds are good for next month.
No prior experience is necessary as IWDG volunteers will be on hand to show you how to observe our biggest marine wildlife.
Anyone who wants to come out on the day should bring binoculars or a spotting scope, and dress appropriately for what can be very changeable outdoor conditions.
Details of the 20 headland watch sites are listed below; contact the relevant local organiser for more details or if you wish to help out on the day:
- Clogherhead, Co Louth - Port Oriel Upper Car Park - Breffni Martin, 087 914 5363
- Howth Head, North Co Dublin - Balscadden Car Park - Conal O’ Flanagan, 086 353 7900
- Killiney Bay, South Co Dublin - Vico Road - Brian Glanville, 087 139 0665
- Bray Head, Co Wicklow - Pitch & Putt - Justin Ivory, 087 683 3898
- Hook Head, Co Wexford - Lighthouse - Harm Deenen, 086 348 5013
- Ardmore, Co Waterford - Ram Head Signal Tower - Andrew Malcolm, 087 795 2061
- Galley Head, Co Cork - Lighthouse - Pádraig Whooley, 086 385 0568
- Hog’s Head, Co Kerry - Sea Synergy Centre, Waterville - Lucy Hunt, 087 785 0929
- Valentia Island, Co Kerry - Bray Head Signal Tower - Sean O’Callaghan, 085 776 4918
- Clogher Head, Co Kerry - Lay-by - Nick Massett, 087 673 6341
- Loop Head, Co Clare - Lighthouse - Simon Berrow, 086 854 5450
- Black Head, North Co Clare - Lighthouse - Sandra O’Donovan, 086 606 1869
- Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo - Car park - Aoife Foley, 085 827 6984
- Mullaghmore Head, Co Sligo - Lay-by - Miriam Crowley, 087 617 1377
- Bloody Foreland, Co Donegal - Heights Bar car park - Gareth Doherty, 086 222 3328
- Malin Head, Co Donegal - Signal Tower - Ronan McLaughlin, 086 389 3154
- Ramore Head, Co Antrim - Portrush Coastal Zone - Jim Allen, 078 765 16032
- Portmuck, Co Antrim - Car park - Ian Enlander, 028 933 72724
- Bloody Bridge, Co Down - Car park - Dave Wall, 077 717 62355
