Shannon Dolphin Centre

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's Shannon Dolphin Centre is open for visitors every year from mid May until mid September. It is open daily with free admission. Learn about the different whale and dolphin species living in Irish waters and study some real skeletons of common and rare species. Listen to dolphin sounds and watch a movie about the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation's many years of research in the Shannon Estuary. Explore cabinets filled with interesting specimens. Children can have fun investigating marine themed goggle boxes and colouring on dolphin rubbing boards or by trying to solve the giant whale and dolphin jigsaw puzzle.

The Shannon Estuary is home to the only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins in Ireland. The population is genetically unique and comprises about 140 individuals. The researchers at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group carry out photo identification of the dolphins to identify and follow individuals to gain valuable information about their life. Pictures can help to identify previously recorded animals and allow us to understand how they use the estuary, estimate abundance, how often adults have calves and how long they survive. Changes within the population and why these changes may be occurring can be monitored. Acoustic monitoring of the dolphins and their surrounding environment is also carried out using underwater microphones called hydrophones. Marine biologists can answer questions about whales and dolphins, and other wildlife in the Shannon region, and are happy to discuss dolphin research with visitors. The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation hosts a range of events throughout the summer including pub quizzes, kid's fun days and cake sales. Throughout the year, the team also makes waves at events and workshops across the country.