Seal and SUP Encounter Dublin Ireland

In support of the Seal Sanctuary Cornwall, ASI is collecting stories and Colm Murphy sent us this story, saying the seal colonies around the Dublin are thriving and multiplying year on year the last 5 years.

“The shot featured was taking with gopro off Ireland Eye. An island 1.5km off the coast of Howth, Co. Dublin.  There is a large colony here with great fishing off its East Side, shelter and a harbour off its west. 

Ordinarily, we run trips around the island of 6 to 8 km for intermediate groups on SUPs. Each trip as we round the southern tip there is a haul-out area and inside this on the west side a shallow Cove with a fantastic healthy forest of kelp, fucus and more. This is the nursery.

The playful yearlings are usually let loose on us with the watchful of the elders. However, this year from late June onwards we were greated daily by pups. 

The seals, adult & young, seem to be more inquisitive of SUPers than any other craft including kayaks.

There is a west facing beach on the island where we portage and swim. This year I regularly shared my swim with the colony.”

Find out more about the UK’s seal population, how you can help them and what to do if you encounter them whilst out paddling in our interview with the Cornish Seal Sanctuary https://www.academyofsurfing.com/news/tips-for-seal-encounters-and-the-cornish-seal-sanctuary

ASI is supporting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and the great work they do for injured and abandoned seal pups. 

Send ASI your seal encounter stories if you want your very own, limited edition, Cornish Seal Sanctuary water bottle!