IWDG Residential Weekend Whale Watching Course - West Cork
Schedule
Fri, 29 May, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Sun, 31 May, 2026 at 01:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Cecas.ie | Clonakilty, CK
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Looking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) www.iwdg.ie, Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO, on a weekend whale-watching course in West Cork during summer 2026. In taking part, you will also be actively supporting whale and dolphin conservation and research in Ireland.Our 2026 residential weekend will once again bebased at the CECAS centre in Leap www.cecas.ie, and combine a relaxed learning experience at this former religious retreat, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the 25 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) that can be found in Irish waters. Your course facilitator and guide will be IWDG Sighting Officer, Pádraig Whooley, who has delivered similar weekend courses since 2002. Suitable from ages of 18 years upwards, our courses cater for all levels of interest, from the complete novice to the wildlife enthusiast who’d like to learn more about Ireland’s varied marine megafauna, how to find and identify them, IWDG’s recording schemes and how you, as Citizen Scientists can contribute to their conservation as well as the latest research.
Course content
Participants will attend a series of engaging indoor presentations and guided land-based watches, during which you will learn the field-skills required to observe, identify and record these magnificent marine mammals. Incorporated into the weekend will be a 4 hr pelagic trip with our partners at Cape Clear Ferries, departing from Baltimore, when we’ll survey for large whales, dolphins and seabirds in west Cork's offshore waters. This boat trip is subject to weather and can be paid for on the day (€50 pp with cash).
The venue
These weekends are essentially residential and based at the CECAS Centre near Leap village, west Cork. We envisage most participants booking this accommodation, which comprises a range of affordable and comfortable room options, some of which are En Suite. Set among 30 acres of woodland overlooking Glandore Harbour in the heart of coastal west Cork, this historic former retreat is a peaceful, unique and magical place for tranquility, nature and relaxation, and is also convenient for the towns of Clonakilty, Rosscarbery Leap, Glandore, Union Hall and Skibbereen. A great base for exploring this wonderful area. Of course, if you live locally or are on holidays in the area, then you won’t need accommodation, which is not a problem.
More information and booking details are available via the ticket link.
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Where is it happening?
Cecas.ie, Myross Wood House,Skibbereen, Ireland, ClonakiltyEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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