A Kilrush-based vessel which has played a vital role in marine research will be retired at the end of the 2026 season.
The 17-metre yacht “Celtic Mist” was donated to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group by the Haughey family in 2011 and for over a decade has surveyed more than 100,000 kilometres of Irish inshore and offshore waters.
During last year alone, the research vessel recorded 348 sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises during 64 days at sea, while circumnavigating the coast of the island of Ireland.
Shannon Dolphin Project Officer, Mags Daly has been telling Clare FM’s Morning Focus that Celtic Mist has been a crucial resource for documenting marine wildlife and she’s hopeful funding will become available to bring another vessel on stream in the future.
Listen to the full interview here
