Broadcasting from the roadcaster in sunny Sligo, Ray D'Arcy met with content creator Joshua Nueva, wellbeing facilitator Blaithin Sweeney, and chef Neil Byrne to discuss the joys of summer in Ireland. Listen back above.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Co. Mayo, Joshua Nueva is a young video editor who has spent the last number of years capturing the beauty of Ireland.
With a love of video editing and fitness, the strange year of 2020 proved to be the perfect time for Nueva to start hiking his way around the country - always with his trusty camera and drone on hand.
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Before long, he was posting jaw-dropping clips of some of the country's most scenic views, which quickly earned him a strong online following and growing career opportunities.
Posting across Instagram and TikTok, the content creator's latest videos have captured humpback whales, dolphins, and basking sharks in all their spectacular glory, swimming off the west coast of Ireland.
One video even captures a whale creating a rainbow as it takes a breath above the surface - watch it below.
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There are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife, but there are areas where whales and dolphins can be spotted. If you want to give it a go this summer, Nueva shares the following tips:
Locations with sightings recorded by IWDG (Irish Whale and Dolphin Group):
- Ballyglass Lighthouse, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
- Erris Head, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
- Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo
- St. John’s Lighthouse, Co. Donegal
- Toe Head, Co. Cork- Kildreelig, Co. Kerry
- Ventry, Co. Kerry
What to look out for:
- Huge flocks of birds circling one specific area, this means that there’s something feeding in the water.
- Whales create a large vertical column of spray when they come up for air, they are quite regular so look out for those.
- Large pods of dolphins (50+) are a good sign that something larger is present.
- Humpback whales like to 'bubble net’ feed close to cliffs.
"Grab some binoculars and head out towards the coast and with a bit of effort (and patience) you'll be surprised at what you can find," says Josh, who reminds listeners that a 30 second video could be hours in the making.
To listen to Ray chat with his guests about gelato, surfing and Irish wildlife with his guest, listen back above. For more tips on whale watching, visit IWDG.ie.
