‘Rare and unusual’ pod of killer whales spotted in Strangford Narrows

A pod of killer whales has been spotted in the Strangford Narrows in Co Down.

Stunning images of the orcas were shared online by the Causeway Boats company based in Portrush.

Image courtesy of Causeway Boatsplaceholder image
Image courtesy of Causeway Boats | Other 3rd Party

Skipper Richard Connor told the News Letter the first killer whale was spotted off the coast of Ardglass this afternoon, before it was later confirmed it was an entire pod.

“One was first spotted this afternoon by fishermen off ardglass, thought to be a lone male killerwhale,” the skipper said.

Image courtesy of Causeway Boatsplaceholder image
Image courtesy of Causeway Boats | Other 3rd Party

He said the pod was spotted in Strangford Narrows, a stretch of water at the entrance to Strangford Lough, shortly before 7pm today.

They’ve been positively identified as from the native UK Hebridean pod,” the Causeway Boats skipper said.

He described the sighting as “rare and unusual”, adding: “I’ve been skippering fishing boats for 22 years and I’ve only ever seen them three times.”

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice