Dolphins really are remarkable

Dolphin and whale-watching continues to grow, and a third of the world’s species have been recorded in Irish waters, a dedicated sanctuary for such fish since 1991 and the first in Europe.

With the tourist season reaching a peak, many people visiting coastal areas will be keeping an eye out for these magnificent creatures. Boat trips in the hope of seeing them at close quarters are also available in West Cork, on the Shannon Estuary, and Dingle, Co Kerry.

Stories of dolphins and their interaction with people — best instanced in Ireland by Fungie, the internationally-famous Dingle dolphin — are legion. I chanced upon another while watching the excellent BBC’s Ocean Giants series the other night.