Dolphin watching on Ireland’s largest river the Shannon is a very popular activity, in particular in the summer months. The Shannon is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). Home to both common and bottlenose dolphins, the Shannon is a vibrant habitat for a vast range of flora and fauna. There are a range of boating options to Dolphin watch, including boat trips from Carrigaholt, at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary on Loop Head Peninsula and from Kilrush Creek, with both locations being on the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. Both companies provide boat trips A variety of wildlife can be seen on these trips, and due to the remoteness of the location, less tourists provides for more wildlife! These include a variety of seabirds (Guillemots, Gannets and Razorbills), grey seals, wild goats, Loop Head also provide whale watching expeditions in late Summer, early Autumn to see Minke and Fin Whales. These boat trips on the longest river is an experience not to be missed. Geology field trips can also be taken from Carrigaholt, to view the sea stacks and rich roas sandstone formations along the coastline. While visits to the historically rich Scattery Island can be availed of from Kilrush Creek Marina during the summer months, due to weather conditions, boat trips must be booked in advance.
