It’s been over a year since we’ve started My Real Ireland and I can’t believe we haven’t talked about this Irish celebrity yet. If you’re visiting Dingle this local lad will definitely be a mammal you’ll want to bump into. We’ve had 6 questions pop into our email box about him and it’s time we virtually introduce you to him.
What is the name of the Dolphin in Dingle Bay?
His name is Fungie. Ireland’s most famous Dolphin. Known for his playfulness and attention seeking performances.
How long has Fungie been in Dingle?
The Locals of Dingle have said Fungie was first seen in Dingle Harbour in 1983. They felt it was strange to see a Dolphin stay in the same waters for such a long period of time.
How old is Fungie?
It’s estimated that Fungie is around 36 years old but no one we’ve met is 100% sure how old he is. Dolphins have been recorded to live up to 50 years in the wild.
How Big is Fungie the Dolphin?
Fungie is measured at around 13 feet and may weigh as much as 250kg (big boy).
Is Fungie the Dolphin Friendly?
Ireland has a few Dolphins that you might not consider friendly such as Dusty (also known as Sandy) who resides of the Coast of Galway on the Áran Islands. He’s a little grumpy and locals advise not to swim when he’s about.
However Fungie is known to be playful and friendly to people he meets in the water or on tours. He’s a Solitary Dolphin and according to dolphin experts they seek human interaction to counter loneliness.
Is it cruel to visit Fungie and is he free to leave?
NO, it is not cruel to visit Fungie. He’s an open water Dolphin and is free to roam wherever he wants. Fungie May have been orphaned and finding a safe place to live such as Dingle may have been the reason he stayed. He feels secure there.
No one owns Fungie and he’s chosen to stay in the friendly harbour of Dingle. The local tour companies don’t chase Fungie, he in fact chases them.
What is the best tour to go on to Visit Fungie the Dolphin?
Three months ago I attended a stag in Dingle, it was here I overheard an American couple speaking about the tour they just did to see Fungie. I’ve never seen such a happy couple in my life. They spoke the little show off and how it seemed he was best friends with the tour operators.
I asked them who did the tour and it was http://www.dingledolphin.com/tours/
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What are some tour options to see Fungie?
Dingle Dolphin Tours have a variety of tours to choose from. They have the ‘Up Close & Personal’ early morning trip to Fungie. The ‘Fungie Dolphin Tour’ which run for a 1-hour trip to see Fungie in his natural environment.
The tours run all year round. The times can vary depending on the time of year (darker evenings). Mid September until Spring you’re looking at 10 until 4.30.
Here are two options to choose from.
Up Close & Personal
Fungie Dolphin Tour
We hope you love your meeting with Fungie as he’s going to love to meet you.
Slán go fóill
Cian