Lahinch Seaworld's Atlantic Aquarium.
Seaworld and Leisure Centre invites you to explore the world beneath the waves and discover the awesome wealth of the Atlantic Ocean in a thrilling and dramatic way. You can come eye to eye with some rare and spine chilling fish species as they surround you in this incredible and exciting Aquarium. We promise it will be an experience you will never forget.
With the exception of our beloved seahorses, all the fish and marine animals you will see are locally caught and native Irish specimens.
Seaworld's Printable Marine database.
The following files will open in a printable page:
Lahinch Seaworld Aquarium |
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| Common Dolphin | Japanese Spider Crab | Lesser Octopus | Lobsters |
| Sunfish | Tope | Turtle | Triggerfish |
| Seahorse | Stingray | Conger Eel | Clown Fish |
"Doolin" Tank.
Designed the simulate the environment, and flora and fauna of the Doolin coast,
the Doolin tank is the first tank you encounter when you enter Lahinch Seaworld.
The tank itself is fed with seawater via an impressive wave-machine system so if you
don't want to get splashed stand back! This attraction is particularly popular with children
who shriek with delight when they get sprayed by a particularly strong wave.
"Bobsters" Lobster Breeding Station.
This is where the female lobsters are kept and also
where the hatchling lobsters are reared. Read more
about the station here.
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Whale & Dolphin Learning Centre.
Learn all about whales and dolphins in our special learning centre.
Since the dawn of time these fascinating and intelligent creatures have been the inspiration of some of our most favourite stories and legends, from religious stories like the tale of Jonah or Saint Brendan to classic literature like Moby Dick.
Like us, they are mammals and so must come up for air, but did you know that some species of whales can hold their breath for over an hour?
In our learning centre you will learn all about the species native to Ireland and the dangers which face them. You will also learn about the ecology of whales and dolphins, about their environment and the conservation efforts that are underway in order to protect these wonderful animals.
Ray Pool.
A close relative of the shark family, rays are instantly recognisable by their flat shape and their method of moving, where they seem to fly, rather than swim, by moving their wings. At the back, their tail, which contains a razor-sharp, barbed stinger. Stingrays are flat so as to hide on the bottom of the ocean, usually displacing sand and hiding beneath it. For this reason they can also be stepped on by humans resulting in an excruciating sting.
Perhaps the most famous stingray injury was that which caused the death of celebrated conservationist and Australian TV personality Steve Irwin.
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Octopus
Another one of our more popular tanks at Lahinch Seaworld is our octopus tank.
Octopus are amazing creatures. They have very keen eyesight and are remarkably intelligent with excellent problem-solving skills. They are, for example, able to figure out how do things like traverse through mazes or open jars.
They are often quite mischievous too.
Since they are molluscs, octopuses have no bones and can squeeze themselves through holes as small as a 5c coin. This also means that octopuses have a remarkable ability of getting themselves into trouble.
It is for this exact reason our octopus enclosure is sealed, as "great escapes" by these creatures are not uncommon and it has been known for octopuses to sneak out of their tanks in the middle of the night and into the tanks of their neighbours for a little midnight snack.
Not only can they get themselves into very tight spots, but they can get out of them with equal ease. When threatened by predators they escape quickly by squirting water from their bodies, literally jetting themselves to safety. They can also secrete clouds of dark, black ink to blind their assailant and cover their escape.
The Cavern.
In our Cavern you can get up right close and personal with a variety of deep sea creatures including our giant crawfish.
Ocean Tank.
The Ocean Tank is the largest tank in Lahinch Seaworld.
With its eerie undersea lighting, as well as various rocks and crevices it's designed to simulate the environment of the Atlantic Ocean.
The tank can be viewed from various angles, from the Cavern side, as well as via two small portholes. There's also a walk-in area which is quite popular with our visitors and also with our rays, who can't resist the opportunity to swim up and say hello!
Inside the tank you will find a wide variety of marine life native to Ireland. As well as our curious rays you'll also find sea bass, wreck fish, dogfish, ballan wrasse and more.
For more information see our printable marine database.
Seahorses.
Always a firm favourite with children and adults alike our seahorses differ from all the other creatures in our aquarium in that they are not naturally native to Irish seas, nor were they caught here. Instead they were specially imported by us for all our visitors to enjoy.
In addition to our adult seahorses, we also have a tank of tiny, baby seahorses, who are especially cute. Both the adults and baby seahorses are fed every day at 10am, 2pm and 5pm.
To learn more about seahorses see our very own seahorse page!
We found Nemo!
Introducing the newest addition to the Lahinch Seaworld family, Nemo.
Nemo is an orange clownfish, just like the character in the Disney classic Finding Nemo.
Clownfish are so named due to their vibrant colours, they are not native to Irish waters, but are instead found in tropical seas where coral reefs are found.
More…
