In May 2018, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group left Dublin embarked on an expedition to Iceland on its research vessel Celtic Mist.
As part of a nationwide tour, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) will be hosted by Cultúrlann Sweeney on Monday 25th February from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.
Four women and four men; a retired school teacher, a surgeon, a parks ranger, two IT specialists and with a farmer from Kildare were onboard and skippered by a project manager from Arklow.
During the next six weeks, 30 members from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, of all ages and all walks of life sailed Celtic Mist 4,500 km around the Icelandic coast and even into the Arctic Circle before returning her back to Dublin via the Faroe Islands and Scotland.
They went in search of humpback whales, one of the most enigmatic species in the world’s oceans. Humpback whales are increasing in Irish waters and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group wanted to know where are they coming from or going to! Ireland and Iceland share this whale population and we wanted to improve knowledge and build relationships between our two island nations. But they came back with more than they bargained for!
Many experiences were shared by those who sailed Celtic Mist on this ambitious expedition. Many special moments were had with people and wildlife that will stay with these everyday mariners for the rest of their days.
A collection of images and videos will be presented, by the skippers, scientists and crew who ventured on the “trail of the whale”.
IWDG has been visiting venues throughout the island of Ireland including offshore islands and will be in Cultúrlann Sweeney Kilkee this Monday.
All events are free and open to all, children most welcome, please join us.
