Join IWDG for an immersive and fun weekend of whales and whale watching, during a series of engaging talks and watches from land and sea.

Introduction

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 based in Mullaghmore, North Sligo in September 2026. In taking part, you will also be actively supporting whale and dolphin conservation and research in Ireland.

This Northwest event is our first time delivering such a weekend course in the area in almost 20 years, when we ran a series of weekend courses based on Tory Island between 2004-2007. However, much has changed since then and we are excited about the potential of both this great venue and Donegal Bay’s new status as one of Ireland’s premiere whale watching hotspots.

This weekend will combine a relaxed learning experience, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the 26 species of whales and dolphins, 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 cetaceans and how you as Citizen Scientists can contribute to the conservation of these magnificent marine mammals as well as other species of marine megafauna such as basking sharks and turtles.

Course content

Participants will attend a series of engaging indoor presentations at the adjacent Mullaghmore Sailing Ctr. and guided land-based watches from local vantage points, during which we’ll cover:

· the fieldcraft involved in locating whales and dolphins

· the thorny issue of species identification

· IWDG’s recording schemes and how you can contribute to them

· the latest research updates, both domestic and international

Incorporated into the weekend will be a 4-hr pelagic boat trip with our partners on the MV Kiwi Girl and Bundoran Star, departing from Mullaghmore Harbour, when we’ll survey for large whales in the productive waters extending west to outer Donegal Bay, including the world famous Slieve League cliffs. This boat trip is of course subject to weather and can be paid for on the day by cash, Revolut or Paypal (€55 pp).

The venue

These weekends are essentially residential and based at the Pier Head Hotel in Mullaghmore Harbour, Eircode F91 AP8H. We envisage most participants booking this accommodation, which comprises a range of affordable and comfortable room options, all of which are En- Suite. It’s a great base for exploring the wonderful Northwest on land or by sea, should you decide to stay in the area beyond the weekend. Of course, if you live locally or are on holidays in the area, then you won’t need accommodation, which is not a problem. If demand is very high, we may ask local course attendees to pass on the Saturday boat trip, so that we can prioritise those who live outside the area. The same discounted trip rate will apply.

How to book

This is a 2-step process

You first need to book the course with IWDG here on Eventbrite

You then book your accommodation, (if required), at the Pier Head Hotel, contact Grainne Mc Mahon, Ph. 071-9166171, e: reception@pierheadhotel.ie

Course fee per person is as follows:

Places are secured on receipt of course fee payable to IWDG as above (€125 or €160) via Eventbrite link. Full refunds will be given in the event of IWDG cancelling the course or if for health reasons you have to cancel giving us 48 hrs notice. Please note that we will not cancel the course because of a poor weather outlook. We can still deliver the course; only more of it will be held indoors. Some of our best weekends have been held during truly atrocious weather!

Assuming you wish to stay residentially at the Pier Head Hotel, once your course place(s) are secured with IWDG (step 1), you should contact Grainne at the Pier Head Hotel, email reception@pierheadhotel.ie or Ph. 071-9166171 to book your accommodation/meals (step 2). ****Note. We have been given a 27 room allocation, on a first come first served basis, so don’t leave it to the last minute to book your accommodation. When booking make sure to tell them you are attending the IWDG Weekend as “IWDG” will trigger your discounted room rates.

Course fee payable to IWDG via Eventbrite (link below)

IWDG Members (Incl. tuition, watches, materials, use of facilities & lunch on Sat.) €125

or

Non-member (as above PLUS 1 year m/ship IWDG) €160

Accommodation per person based on 2 nights at Pier Head Hotel

Eg: Single room includes full Irish breakfast x 2 = €200 PP

Double room (2 nights) includes full Irish breakfast x 2 = €150 PP

Optional (but recommended)

Whale Watch boat trip Saturday, pay operator on day (Weather Permitting) €55

We hope all course participants will join us for an evening

Description supplied by the event organiser.