Basking Shark

Basking sharks hold a special place in Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. Known as Ainmhí Sheoil in Irish, these gentle giants have long inspired awe and curiosity among coastal communities. Historically spotted along the west coast from May to August, they were once hunted for their oil-rich livers, which were used for lighting and lubrication. In more recent decades, however, the basking shark has come to symbolise marine conservation, with growing awareness around their vulnerability and importance to ocean ecosystems. Their slow, graceful movement near the surface and enormous filter-feeding mouths have made them a captivating sight for locals and visitors alike, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way. Today, basking sharks are protected under Irish law, and their seasonal return is celebrated as a sign of healthy marine life and a connection to Ireland’s deep relationship with the sea.

🦈 Fun Facts about the Basking Shark! 🇮🇪

• The basking shark is native to Ireland and is the second-largest fish in the world!

• It can grow between 6–8 metres long.

• Basking sharks are grey with a white belly and have a huge mouth they keep open as they swim.

• They eat plankton by vacuuming it in through their open mouths – no teeth needed!

• Even though they are sharks, they are gentle giants and not dangerous to humans, though it is probably best not to swim right in front of their enormous open mouths!!!!

• Basking sharks are fish, not mammals, and live in the Atlantic Ocean around Ireland.

• They migrate in winter and return to Irish waters in summer.

• They usually travel in family groups.

• A male basking shark is called a bull, a female a cow, and babies are born 5 feet long!

• In Irish, the basking shark is called Ainmhí Sheoil.

• You’re most likely to spot them during the day – they love sunshine!

Source: The basking shark is native. It is 6-8m in length. It’s grey with a white belly. It has a huge mouth that opens as he has a huge mouth that opens as he swims. The basking shark is a fish. They live in Ireland. It lives in the Atlantic. They come out in the day. Sharks migrate in winter. They come to Ireland in summer. Basking sharks eat plankton. They live in a family group. A male is called a bull. A female is a cow. It is called Ainmhi Sheoil in Irish. I have never seen one. They keep their mouth open and vacuum in their food. They give birth to 5 feet babies.