You can’t miss it.

There’s currently a giant basking shark sitting on Albert Quay in Cork City.

A life-sized 10.6 metre sculpture of the massive sea creature has officially been unveiled ahead of next week’s Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference — and it’s already turning heads as part of this weekend’s Cork Harbour Festival celebrations.

The shark, named Banbha after the Irish goddess of the Tuatha Dé Dannan, has taken up residence along the quay ahead of the international ocean conference taking place at Cork City Hall on Wednesday, June 3rd. And while it might look like a very cool photo opportunity (which, to be fair, it absolutely is), the installation also carries a serious message about the future of Ireland’s marine life and coastal protection.

The upcoming conference will bring together ocean campaigners, fishing communities, government representatives, industry leaders and environmental groups to discuss the future of Marine Protected Areas — sections of sea and coastline designed to protect vulnerable habitats and species from damaging activity.

Ireland has committed to protecting 30% of its seas by 2030, but currently less than 10% of Irish waters are officially protected, with many existing protected areas lacking proper conservation plans or enforcement measures.

A gentle giant 

For now though, Banbha is expected to become one of the standout sights of the Cork Harbour Festival weekend, drawing curious passers-by down to Albert Quay for a closer look at one of the ocean’s gentlest giants — without having to leave the city.

“The sculpture is a wonderful way for people to see the actual size of basking sharks, which come to Ireland every year in huge numbers,” said Simon Berrow, CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

“Ireland is now recognised as a global hotspot for basking sharks worldwide. It’s great that we can share Banbha the basking shark as part of the Cork Harbour Festival and the Fair Seas World Ocean Conference.”

The sculpture, created by well-known model-maker Tommy Casby, will be located on Albert Quay until Wednesday morning before being relocated to Cork City Hall for the conference.