A photographer captured these stunning images of dolphins in the River Lee
There’s something magical about dolphins.
And when a small pod of three made their way up the River Lee and into the city yesterday, they brought sheer delight to onlookers on the quays and a lucky group of rowers who happened to be on the water.
Local photographer Terry McAuliffe happened to be in the area at dusk and captured a series of stunning shots of the rare sight.
According to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the three common dolphins spent around 75 minutes exploring the river between 4pm and 6pm, making appearances above water and feeding at Penrose Wharf, at the Mary Elmes Bridge near the bus station.
A rare sight in Cork City as 2 dolphins made an appearance in the river Lee pic.twitter.com/2CxWFwhUAz
— Terry McAuliffe (@__HANCE__) March 14, 2023
Cork Dragons, a dragon boat team based on the River Lee, had a front-row seat for the spectacle – a memorable moment on their first paddle of the year.
While the hunt for food is the most likely reason the aquatic mammals have ventured into the city, they may also be confused or unwell.
Dolphins spotted in the river by the @hsscu offices Patrick’s Quay 🐬 #Cork @savecorkcity @yaycork pic.twitter.com/wjjJLWYTlU
— Luke. (@LukeKc89) March 14, 2023
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group will be keeping a close eye on them until they return to open water.
