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Otters spend their lives in and around water. Though mostly associated with rivers and lakes, in the west of Ireland, otters are commonly found along rocky sea shorelines. On land, the otter shuffles along - but once in water, the otter transforms into a sleek underwater gymnast.

Ireland has a special relationship and responsibility to protect this beloved animal. Otters appear in early Irish poems and manuscript drawings and even today Ireland is home to an abundance of otters, as their populations sadly decline more rapidly elsewhere.

The Irish name for the Otter is ‘Madra uisce’ which literally translates as “Water Dog’ - a name that suggests its playful nature and appearance.

There are few more charming sights in nature than an otter family frolicking about and having fun at the water’s edge. Due to their nocturnal habits and extreme shyness otters remain elusive to all but the most patient humans.