*A minke whale visiting West Clare waters. Photo courtesy of IWDG

NATURE lovers are having a whale of a time these days with basking sharks chilling off Kilkee and minke whales putting in an appearance over the weekend.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group CEO Dr Simon Berrows confirmed to The Clare Echo that at least two minke whales were observed at separate sites on Saturday between Doonbeg and Kilkee.

A minke whale observed off the Clare coast. Photo courtesy of IWDG

“Minkes are frequently observed off west Clare from May to October each year. They visit inshore Irish waters to feed,” Dr Berrow said.

Minke whales, or An Droimeiteach beag if you are so inclined, can be up to 10 metres long. Their ideal buffet is one of sprat, sand eel and herring.

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