Shannon Dolphin Centre

The Shannon Dolphin Centre sits on Merchants Quay in the town of Kilrush, County Clare, overlooking the waters of the Shannon Estuary. It is run by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and works as both a visitor facility and a research hub, focused on the population of bottlenose dolphins that live in the estuary.

Inside, visitors can learn about these resident dolphins and about the IWDG’s wider work in research, conservation and education around Ireland’s whales and dolphins. The centre is staffed during the season by interns on the Shannon Dolphin Project, who also help gather photo-identification images and behavioural data on the water. School and group visits can be arranged with the centre in advance.

The centre opens seasonally over the summer months rather than year-round, so it’s worth checking current opening times before travelling. Its riverside setting in Kilrush makes it a natural first stop for anyone interested in the estuary’s dolphins, whether combined with a boat trip from the area or visited on its own.