A whale of a time off west Cork coast

SEVERAL sightings of magnificent fin whales off west Cork, this month, offer further testimony that the area is becoming one of the top whale watching destinations in Europe.

As the area’s reputation spreads, a possible whale watching industry, which could yet be similar to the Fungi dolphin industry in Dingle, Co Kerry, has been started. Two operators are providing whale watching tours in west Cork, with others expected to follow.

There’s no doubt that these behemoths of the sea are a huge attraction for nature lovers, and their movements are being closely observed by members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin (IWDG), with sightings regularly logged.