There is something incredibly calming about watching a seal resting on a rocky shore, its large eyes following the movement of the waves, before slipping quietly back into the sea.
Seals are perfectly adapted to life between two worlds. As members of the group known as pinnipeds ("fin-footed" mammals), they are equally at home in the water and on land. Their streamlined bodies allow them to move with impressive speed and agility underwater, while their time spent on beaches and rocky islands is essential for resting, breeding and raising their young.
Although seals are found in oceans around the world, many species are particularly well adapted to the colder waters of the northern and southern hemispheres. Their thick layers of fat and specialised bodies help them survive in environments where few other mammals could thrive.
Ireland's Coastal Residents
Ireland is home to two native seal species: the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the common seal (Phoca vitulina). Both can be spotted around the Irish coastline, from remote islands to sheltered bays. They are especially well known around places such as the Blasket Islands, Saltee Islands and the coastlines of counties including Kerry, Cork and Donegal.
Seeing a seal in the wild is a truly special experience. They may appear playful and curious, but they are still wild animals that need space and respect. Watching from a distance allows them to rest, feed and care for their pups without unnecessary stress.
Why Seals Need Our Protection
Despite their peaceful appearance, seals have faced many threats over the years.
Historically, they have been hunted for their fur, oil and meat, while today they continue to face challenges caused by habitat disturbance, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and human interference.
Some seal species around the world remain endangered, and the history of marine mammal exploitation is also a reminder of why responsible wildlife tourism matters. Wild animals belong in their natural habitats, where they can behave naturally rather than being forced to perform for entertainment.
If you ever encounter seals in the wild, one of the best things you can do is simply observe and appreciate them from a respectful distance.
Bringing an Irish Seal to Life Through Illustration
This seal artwork was created for the book 'Dr Hibernica Finch's Compelling Compendium of Irish Animals', published in 2018 by Little Island Books.
The book explores the fascinating wildlife found across Ireland, introducing young readers to the animals that share the island with us. Creating the illustrations was a wonderful opportunity to combine scientific curiosity with storytelling and help children discover the incredible species living on their doorstep.
For this drawing, I wanted to capture the gentle character of a seal: the curious expression, the smooth shape of its body and the quiet confidence of an animal perfectly suited to the sea.
There is a certain magic in illustrating animals that we might only briefly glimpse in the wild. A drawing allows us to stop that moment, look closer and appreciate details we might otherwise miss.
I have the last few prints left, so grab yours before it's too late! If they're sold out by the time you visit the page, please get in touch, and I'll be more than happy to print an extra one for you.
Suggested External Links
For readers who would like to learn more about Irish seals and marine conservation:
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Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) - information about marine mammals in Irish waters
https://iwdg.ie/ -
National Parks and Wildlife Service (Ireland) - information about protected species and conservation
https://www.npws.ie/ -
Seal Rescue Ireland - an Irish charity rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned seals
https://www.sealrescueireland.org/ -
Irish Wildlife Trust - information about Irish wildlife protection and conservation
https://iwt.ie/