It turns out Cork folk can’t get enough of the city’s most elusive residents.

A guided otter walk taking place later this month has proven so popular that all tickets have already disappeared, with organisers now operating a waiting list for anyone hoping to snag a spot.

Hosted by Nature Network Ireland, the free Cork City Otter Trail Walk will take participants on a one-hour journey along the River Lee to learn more about the otters that call the city home.

While many people are aware that otters live in Cork’s waterways, actually spotting one is another story entirely. The protected mammals are famously shy and tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, making sightings a rare treat even for regular river walkers.

 

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The walk will be led by ecologist John Armstrong, who will show participants how to identify signs of otter activity and explain how these fascinating animals have adapted to life in an urban environment.

Starting at Cork Opera House on June 25th at 7pm, the walk follows part of the Cork Lee Otter Trail, highlighting the habitats and hidden clues that reveal where otters are living, feeding and travelling through the city.

The popularity of the event is perhaps no surprise. Cork’s otters have become something of a local celebrity in recent years, with occasional sightings along the River Lee regularly causing excitement on social media.

And while there’s no guarantee of an actual otter encounter on the evening, attendees will leave with a greater appreciation for one of Cork’s most charismatic wild residents — and a few tips on how to spot them for themselves.

Anyone hoping to attend can still add their name to the waiting list.