Ireland's Gentle Giants: Basking Sharks Return

Ireland's western and south-western coasts are attracting hundreds of endangered basking sharks each year. These colossal plankton-eaters visit between April and early July, and again in August and September, drawn by abundant copepods and plankton blooms. The region from Donegal Bay to County Cork is considered an exceptional global location for viewing these sharks due to their tendency to swim very close to shore.

These sharks, the second-largest fish globally, can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length. Historically, Achill Island was a major hub for basking shark fishing in the mid-20th century, with their valuable livers harvested for oil. However, extensive global hunting nearly led to their extinction by the late 20th century.

Thankfully, sightings have increased around Ireland since the last catch in 1984. In 2022, basking sharks gained legal protection under the Irish Wildlife Act, making it illegal to hunt or disturb them. This protection, coupled with Ireland's status as Europe's first whale and dolphin sanctuary since 1991, has fostered a growing eco-tourism sector centered around these magnificent creatures.