Multiple sightings of dolphins off the coast of Donegal

Fiona Frawley

a dolphins head and fin emerging from under the water

Exciting news for anyone who hasn’t been right since Fungi’s departure.

While out enjoying the warm weather, some beach goers in Donegal were lucky enough to share the waters with pods of finned friends.

There have been a number of videos and pictures shared of dolphins at beaches across Donegal, including Carrickfinn and Fintra Bay. Videos show dolphins swimming close to shore not far away from children playing in the sea, and jumping in unison in large groups.

Glorious morning swim in #Donegal at Carrickfinn beach and what a surprise to share it with some dolphins!!! @dgldemocrat @Donegal_News @CountyDonegal pic.twitter.com/652cbXcmqN

— Prof Roisín Coll (@coll_r) July 28, 2022

I needed to see this today, so jealous I wasn’t there in person. Fintra Bay this morning #donegal pic.twitter.com/eLjhcujXKG

— Anna Pringle 🇵🇸 (@annapr) July 29, 2022

A massive pod of dolphins hunting off Glashedy today (Near Malin Head). This isn't half the number we were watching. Great viewing conditions #Donegal pic.twitter.com/XG6lFgL1qa

— Martina Gardiner (@martinagardiner) July 28, 2022

Photographer Gareth Wray also captured this now viral image of three dolphins playing in the water with Malin Head’s watch tower in the background. In a post on Facebook, Gareth revealed that he spent eight hours at sea to obtain the perfectly timed shot.

Meanwhile, this amazing footage of dolphins swimming alongside a boat in Inishowen was captured by Trish Hegarty earlier this month.

Incredible, fabulous, magical experience aboard #AmazingGrace yacht today- biggest pod of #dolphins I’ve ever seen as we returned to Culdaff from Malin in Inishowen, Co #Donegal Highly recommend a trip! pic.twitter.com/AskFmAFxFQ

— Trish Hegarty (@iniscomm) July 10, 2022

If you’re hoping to catch sight of some dolphins or sea creatures of any kind before the summer’s out, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group advise that you don’t necessarily need to head out on the water – a headland in good weather (with light winds and calm seas) can work just as well, especially with a good pair of binoculars. The group also say that patience is key – “the more time you put in, the more likely you will be rewarded with a special sighting of common or rare species which contributes to our understanding of these animals”.

Header image via Shutterstock