A colony of bottlenose dolphins has made its home in Ireland's Shannon estuary since the 1830s. The biggest of only six such populations in Europe.

On the west coast of Ireland, between the counties of Kerry and Clare, the Shannon river, the longest waterway in the Isles, meets the wild Atlantic Ocean.
During the summer months encounters with dolphins are a regular occurrence for recreational boaters.

Dolphins love to ride the "bow-wave" of boats and can often be seen escorting ships and yachts into the estuary.

This may be a form of play, but when viewed close-up, it appears that the dolphins are examining their fellow travelers, maintaining eye contact as they effortlessly swim by the bow.
It is a short drive to the town of Kilrush from where you can go on several dolphin watching tours.