During the 1990's the Irish Government declared the coastal waters of Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary and each year Ireland attracts more and more whale and dolphin watching enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
Whale watching in Ireland has definitely taken off and in particular in Cork, this is due to the many species that call West Cork their home over half the year. During the month of May the Minke Whales arrive off the Irish coast followed by the Fin Whales who traditionally arrive in June or July. Both species stay through the months of August and into the autumn and early winter months, because of this, Cork provides some fantastic opportunities to view these large marine mammals along its stunning coast. The Humpback Whales traditionally arrive during the month of August or during the early autumn months but are not as predictable as the visitors before them.
Catching a glimpse of these magnificent mammals is certainly the highlight of any whale-watching excursion, there are also some fantastic opportunities to see some Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins and porpoises that arrive to the coast during the summer months. Throughout the year the following species can also be seen on the West Cork shore: Killer Whales, Basking Sharks, Long-finned Pilot Whales, Atlantic White Sided Dolphins and White Beaked Dolphins.
Seals are also another common sighting and there are two species that you are sure to see on the coast of West Cork, they are the Atlantic Grey Seal and the Common Seal. The Seals are a very common sight in the Baltimore area in particular.
Whale watching boat trips are a common sight in Cork and offer an ideal opportunity to view these wonderful mammals up close, whilst touring the spectacular unspoilt Cork coastline. Cork is famous for its natural rugged beauty and spectacular peninsulas, such as the remote Beara Peninsula, Mizen Head Peninsulas and Sheep's Head Peninsula.
West Cork is a popular tourist destination with much to see and do, from its rugged landscapes, colourful villages and towns peppered along its coastline, to amazing wildlife, its people and much much more, a visit to West Cork is a must.
West Cork also attracts a thriving population of common and uncommon seabirds and is a very popular destination for bird watching. Only this year an Ivory Gull from Arctic Russia was sighted 60 miles offshore in Baltimore Harbour and stayed for a week!
Whale watching is an absolutely fantastic experience and if you have not tried it already then you really must. What better place to conduct such a wonderful experience than in the spectacular surroundings of West Cork.
Breda Quirke writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.
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