Shannon Dolphin Centre open for 2016!

The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre is open for visitors from May until mid-September 2016! We are open every day between 10am and 6pm and admission is free.

The Shannon Dolphin Centre is open for summer 2016

The Shannon Estuary in Ireland is home to the only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins which comprises about 170 individuals. Our researchers at the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation carry out photo-identification of the bottlenose dolphins to gain valuable information about individual dolphins living in the population. Not only can pictures help to identify previously recorded animals but they also allow estimates of the bottlenose dolphin population to be made. Changes within the population can be monitored and reasons for changes investigated. We also carry out acoustic monitoring of the dolphins and their surrounding environment with underwater microphones called hydrophones. A PhD student from GMIT, Galway is currently investigating the life history, social and foraging behaviour of this resident bottlenose dolphin population.

Visit us for guided tours of our dolphin centre, and learn about the valuable research we do on the Shannon Estuary bottlenose dolphin population! Find out about the different whale and dolphin species living in Irish waters and study some real skeletons of different species. Listen to dolphin sounds and watch a movie about our research. Explore our cabinet filled with interesting specimens of all kinds. Kids can explore our goggle boxes and rubbing boards or try to solve the giant jigsaw!

Visit us at our SDWF events throughout the summer:
30 June 2016 – Cake Sale
11 am – 5 pm
Shannon Dolphin Centre, Merchants Quay, Kilrush

23 July 2016 – Family Fun Day
11 am – 5 pm
Shannon Dolphin Centre, Merchants Quay, Kilrush

13 August 2016 – Kids Fun Day
11 am – 5 pm
Shannon Dolphin Centre, Merchants Quay, Kilrush

19 August 2016 – Pub Quiz and Raffle
9 pm
Kilkee location to be confirmed

02 September 2016 – Pub Quiz and Raffle
9 pm
The Haven Arms, Henry St, Kilrush

You can also find us at various events throughout the summer:
04 June 2016 – Vandeleur Walled Garden Re-Launch
12 pm – 5 pm
Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush

03 July 2016 – Summer Art & Craft Fair with Plant Sale
10 am – 5 pm
Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush

31 July 2016 – Lúnasa Art & Craft Fair with Plant Sale
10 am – 5 pm
Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush

27 August 2016 – Whale Watch Ireland
2 pm – 5 pm
Loop Head Lighthouse, Co. Clare

11 September 2016 – Autumn Art & Craft Fair with Plant Sale
10 am – 5 pm
Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush

Email us for additional information
Or visit us on Facebook and like our page at www.facebook.com/ShannonDolphinAndWildlifeCentre

Project Officer

Publications

SDWF Committee