| Fungie the Dingle Dolphin, Co. Kerry. | |
 "Fungie" the Dolphin |
In 1984, Paddy Ferriter, the Dingle Harbour
lighthouse keeper, first noticed a lone dolphin escort the town's
fishing boats to and from the Harbour. Soon after the dolphin was
recorded as a "permanent" resident of the entrance channel and
became the self-appointed "pilot" of the fleet. The Dingle Dolphin -- or "Fungie", as he was christened by local fishermen -- is a fully grown, possibly middle aged, male bottlenose, Tursiops Truncatus. He weighs in at around one-quarter tonne (500 lbs.) and measures in the region of four metres (13 feet). |
| "Fungie" is Ireland's first recorded occurrence of a wild Dolphin that seems to prefer human company. No one really knows why the likes of "Fungie" should decide to adopt a solitary way of life, but for the people who live in this area and the many thousands of visitors who have experienced "Fungie" it is a welcome decision. During the summer months "Fungie" is often seen taking fish in the harbour mouth. |
| Boat
trips are available to the harbour mouth to see Fungie, beginning in the
morning and running through early evening. Reservations are not normally
necessary. Boats depart from The Pier, Dingle Town. Dingle Boatmen's Association web Site |
 Boat trips from Dingle |
|
About Contents Feedback Search Guestbook Home |