Crew to discuss adventures ‘On the Trail of the Whale’

LAST year, Wicklow skipper Liam Quinn was one of a team of volunteers who set off on an expedition with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group on the lookout for 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 (IWDG) wanted to know where are they coming from and going to. With Ireland and Iceland sharing this whale population, a crew of eight set sail for Iceland aboard the Celtic Mist in May 2018.

During the next six weeks, 30 members of the IWDG sailed 4,500km around the Icelantic coast and shared the water with these stunning whales – and plenty more wildlife besides – before returning to Dublin.

The IWDG will visit Arklow Library tomorrow (Thursday, January 31) at 7 p.m. to share the amazing story of their adventures ‘On the Trail of the Whale’. Skippers, scientists and crew from the Celtic Mist will reveal a collection of images and videos as they share wonderful stories from the trip, such as the day they sat for hours among several groups of humpbacks as they fed or the morning they woke in a fjord to see an arctic fox foraging metres from their anchorage.

It is hoped that Wicklow man Liam Quinn will attend the talk at Arklow Library, which is free and open to all. Children are welcome.

The Arklow talk is one of 20 taking place around the country as part of a nationwide tour.

Members of the IWDG hope that sharing their stories will inspire more people, young and old, to get involved and care about wildlife.

‘It was a wonderful privilege to visit this beautiful country again and to see it from the sea on board Celtic Mist and to have an opportunity to explore the extremity of our humpbacks northern range,’ said Padraig Whooley of the IWDG.

Fragrances of Irish (Inis) based in Kilmacanogue is a core sponsor of the IWDG and its support made the expedition possible.