

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: IWDG Residential Weekend Whale Watching & Species ID Course in Donegal Bay
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 18 Sep, 2026 at 04:00 pm – Sun, 20 Sep, 2026 at 01:00 pm (+01:00)
- **Event Description**: Join IWDG for an immersive and fun weekend of whales  and whale watching, during a series of  engaging talks and watches from land and sea.About this EventIntroductionLooking for a weekend with a difference? Why not join the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) www.iwdg.ie, Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO, on a weekend whale-watching course based in Mullaghmore, North Sligo in September 2026. In taking part, you will also be actively supporting whale and dolphin conservation and research in Ireland.This Northwest event is our first time delivering such a weekend course in the area in almost 20 years, when we ran a series of weekend courses based on Tory Island between 2004-2007. However, much has changed since then and we are excited about the potential of both this great venue and Donegal Bay’s new status as one of Ireland’s premiere whale watching hotspots.This weekend will combine a relaxed learning experience, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the 26 species of whales and dolphins, that can be found in Irish waters. Your course facilitator and guide will be IWDG Sighting Officer, Pádraig Whooley, who has delivered similar weekend courses since 2002. Suitable from ages of 18 years upwards, our courses cater for all levels of interest, from the complete novice to the wildlife enthusiast who’d like to learn more about Ireland’s cetaceans and how you as Citizen Scientists can contribute to the conservation of these magnificent marine mammals as well as other species of marine megafauna such as basking sharks and turtles.Course contentParticipants will attend a series of engaging indoor presentations at the adjacent Mullaghmore Sailing Ctr. and guided land-based watches from local vantage points, during which we’ll cover:· the fieldcraft involved in locating whales and dolphins· the thorny issue of species identification· IWDG’s recording schemes and how you can contribute to them· the latest research updates, both domestic and internationalIncorporated into the weekend will be a 4-hr pelagic boat trip with our partners on the MV Kiwi Girl and Bundoran Star, departing from Mullaghmore Harbour, when we’ll survey for large whales in the productive waters extending west to outer Donegal Bay, including the world famous Slieve League cliffs. This boat trip is of course subject to weather and can be paid for on the day by cash, Revolut or Paypal (€55 pp).The venueThese weekends are essentially residential and based at the Pier Head Hotel in Mullaghmore Harbour, Eircode F91 AP8H. We envisage most participants booking this accommodation, which comprises a range of affordable and comfortable room options, all of which are En- Suite. It’s a great base for exploring the wonderful Northwest on land or by sea, should you decide to stay in the area beyond the weekend. Of course, if you live locally or are on holidays in the area, then you won’t need accommodation, which is not a problem. If demand is very high, we may ask local course attendees to pass on the Saturday boat trip, so that we can prioritise those who live outside the area. The same discounted trip rate will apply.How to bookThis is a 2-step processYou first need to book the course with IWDG here on EventbriteYou then book your accommodation, (if required), at the Pier Head Hotel, contact Grainne Mc Mahon, Ph. 071-9166171, e: reception@pierheadhotel.ieCourse fee per person is as follows:Places are secured on receipt of course fee payable to IWDG as above (€125 or €160) via Eventbrite link. Full refunds will be given in the event of IWDG cancelling the course or if for health reasons you have to cancel giving us 48 hrs notice. Please note that we will not cancel the course because of a poor weather outlook. We can still deliver the course; only more of it will be held indoors. Some of our best weekends have been held during truly atrocious weather!Assuming you wish to stay residentially at the Pier Head Hotel, once your course place(s) are secured with IWDG (step 1), you should contact Grainne at the Pier Head Hotel, email reception@pierheadhotel.ie or Ph. 071-9166171 to book your accommodation/meals (step 2). ****Note. We have been given a 27 room allocation, on a first come first served basis, so don’t leave it to the last minute to book your  accommodation. When booking make sure to tell them you are attending the IWDG Weekend as “IWDG” will trigger your discounted room rates.Course fee payable to IWDG via Eventbrite (link below)IWDG Members (Incl. tuition, watches, materials, use of facilities &amp; lunch on Sat.) €125orNon-member (as above PLUS 1 year m/ship IWDG) €160Accommodation per person based on 2 nights at Pier Head HotelEg: Single room includes full Irish breakfast x 2 = €200 PPDouble room (2 nights) includes full Irish breakfast x 2 = €150 PPOptional (but recommended)Whale Watch boat trip Saturday, pay operator on day (Weather Permitting) €55We hope all course participants will join us for an evening meal at the Pier Head Hotel on Saturday evening after the boat trip. Price TBC (but will be affordable)Please note there will be no food laid on at the Pier head Hotel on your arrival on Fridays. So don’t arrive hungry and make your own local arrangements!Enquiries or further details, email padraig.whooley@iwdg.ie , Ph. 00 353 (0)86 3850568  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/65c224c0-2846-11f1-aadc-c97dd04cf083-rimg-w987-h740-dc015ffe-gmir.jpg Our primary venue and accommodation provider, the Pier Head Hotel in Mullaghmore. Presentations will be given at the adjacent Mullaghmore Sailing Centre.  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/65fd5900-2846-11f1-b311-a314a771e96d-rimg-w1059-h740-dcf2f1f2-gmir.jpg We aim to deliver 2-3 indoor presentations over the weekend, covering a range of topics such as Species Identification © IWDG  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/662fb3a0-2846-11f1-b311-a314a771e96d-rimg-w987-h740-dc90bcf1-gmir.jpg IWDG Whale Watch Ireland 2024 event from Mullaghmore, which will be one of our chosen vantage points in September © Rossa Meade, IWDG  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/666828c0-2846-11f1-aadc-c97dd04cf083-rimg-w1111-h740-dcececed-gmir.jpg Whale Watching from Mullaghmore in 2007 during Ballyshannon Course.....long before the large whales showed up ! © Pádraig Whooley, IWDG  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/66a11310-2846-11f1-aadc-c97dd04cf083-rimg-w1112-h740-dca9c1d3-gmir.jpg Humpback whale #HBIRL24 surfaces next to MV Kiwi Girl July 2023 © Gary Burrows  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/66d84fb0-2846-11f1-aadc-c97dd04cf083-rimg-w1094-h740-dcd5e0f2-gmir.jpg Humpback tail flukes against the stunning backdrop of Sligo's Ben Bulben © Tom Ormonde  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/671335d0-2846-11f1-b311-a314a771e96d-rimg-w1200-h653-dc8d9360-gmir.jpg Land based watches will be conducted on each day over the weekend (weather permitting of course!) This one is in West Cork, just so you get the idea © Pádraig Whooley, IWDG  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/674b0eb0-2846-11f1-b311-a314a771e96d-rimg-w1111-h740-dc5d7395-gmir.jpg Humpback pair under Slieve League's dramatic cliffs © Brendan Quinn, IWDG  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/67830ea0-2846-11f1-b311-a314a771e96d-rimg-w1139-h740-dc8ea6a9-gmir.jpg Kiwi Girl with skipper Declan Kilgannon enjoying a close encounter of a humpback kind.  Do you recognise this individual's venrtal fluke?Agenda🕑: 04:00 PMDay 1: Friday 18th Sept.  Rough Itinerary (all weather dependent)Host: Pádraig Whooley, IWDGInfo: Friday Sept 18th 
Check in at Pier Head hotel, Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo around 16:00
Meeting @ hotel 17:00 for land watch (option to walk 1 km or drive)
17:30-19:00: 1st land-based watch at Mullaghmore Head
 https://w3w.co/concession.reading.perches    Lat/Long.: 54.47052, -8.46342.
19:45 Meet at Mullaghmore Sailing Ctr. (next to hotel) for welcome &amp; registration.
20:00 – 21:30 Presentation I, "Introduction to Cetacean Ecology &amp; Biology” 🕑: 08:00 AM - 10:00 PMDay 2: Saturday 19th Sept  (subject to weather)Host: Pádraig Whooley, IWDG  Info: 08:00am: Breakfast #1 at hotel (residential participants only)
09:00 – 11:00 am:  Presentation II at S
ailing Ctr., "Recording schemes &amp; Species identification skills" (with short break)
11:15 Carpool for 2nd land watch at Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim (est. drivetime c10 mins.)
https://w3w.co/elasticity.wader.unsuited Lat./Long: 54.470772   -8.330077
11:30-13:00: Tullaghan land watch
Light Lunch at Pier Hd Hotel 13:30-14:30 (included in course fee)
15:00-19:00: Boat trip ex Mullaghmore Harbour (cash, Revolut or paypal all ok)
20:00: Evening meal at either Pier Hd Hotel or the Harbour café.🕑: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PMDay 3: Sunday 20th Sept.Host: Pádraig Whooley, IWDGInfo: 09:00 -09:45am: Breakfast  #2 at hotel (residential participants only)
09:45 -10:00 am: Check out of accommodation  
10:00-11:15: Final meeting in sailing Ctr. for 3rd short presentation covering other marine megafauna, with time for weekend recap &amp; Q&amp;A
11:30-12:30   Third and final land whale watch at Mullaghmore Head
 https://w3w.co/concession.reading.perches    Long/Lat: 54.47052, -8.46342.
13:00  Optional local swim (weather and time dependent)  
End of course …Leaving tired but having had a wonderful Donegal Bay experience
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/mullaghmore/iwdg-residential-weekend-whale-watching-and-species-id-course-in-donegal-bay/100001985763167088
- **Event Categories**: workshops, meetups, health-wellness, performances, art, theatre, entertainment, holiday
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://consumer.pxf.io/c/1339408/3151484/39691?partnerpropertyid=1191892&MediaPartnerPropertyId=1191892&svlink=14105511&level=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fiwdg-residential-weekend-whale-watching-species-id-course-in-donegal-bay-tickets-1985763167088
- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 135.05, max: 172.58, currency: EUR

## Event venue details

- **city**: Mullaghmore
- **state**: SO
- **country**: Ireland
- **location**: Pier Head Hotel, Spa & Leisure Centre F91 AP8H
- **lat**: 54.4656066
- **long**: -8.449781399999999
- **full address**: Pier Head Hotel, Spa &amp; Leisure Centre F91 AP8H, Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore, Ireland

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 10
- **organizer**: The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (https://allevents.in/org/the-irish-whale-and-dolphin-group/17763986)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
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- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/1664c50e11dedb800bc74c150ba5e3130c03d278fe3b64c6d746440ba556a140-rimg-w400-h400-dc439ab0-gmir.jpg?v=1774441839

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Fri, 18 Sep, 2026 at 04:00 pm (+01:00)
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** Pier Head Hotel, Spa &amp; Leisure Centre F91 AP8H, Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore, Ireland
- **Q**: What is the ticket price?
  - **A:** starting from 135.05 up to 172.58 EUR
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** workshops, meetups, health-wellness, performances, art, theatre, entertainment, holiday
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about IWDG Residential Weekend Whale Watching & Species ID Course in Donegal Bay ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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