Protecting Ireland's
most exceptional
marine habitat
As a not-for-profit organisation, our goal is to safeguard and enhance the natural heritage of Donegal Bay.
Image: Gary McCall
DID YOU KNOW?
4
counties span the bay: Sligo,
Leitrim, Donegal & Mayo
~50%
of all Irish humpback whale sightings
recorded in Donegal Bay in 2025
100%
of Ireland's regularly occurring
cetacean species are found here
IRELAND’S LARGEST BAY
A habitat of
global significance
Donegal Bay is exceptional in scale, productivity, and biodiversity. It is Ireland's largest bay, extending across four counties and supporting nationally significant fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and coastal communities.
Recognised at European level through extensive Natura 2000 designations, including a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA), the bay is home to priority habitats, internationally important bird assemblages, and protected marine mammals.
Research and long-term tracking have confirmed that many of the species here undertake trans-oceanic migrations, travelling thousands of kilometres before returning to Donegal Bay. This makes the bay not just a regional hotspot, but a node of global significance within wider migratory networks.
"We believe that lasting environmental protection happens when people are connected to nature, understand it, and feel empowered to act on its behalf."
— Donegal Bay Conservation Trust
Image: Joey Batt
HOW WE WORK
Our approach is built on three pillars
Donegal Bay Conservation Trust is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the natural heritage of Donegal Bay, through science-led conservation, community engagement, and advocacy.
01.
Conservation & Ecosystem Management
We support the protection, restoration, and regeneration of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments through research, monitoring, and evidence-based approaches across the full Donegal Bay catchment.
02.
Education & Engagement
We create opportunities for people to learn about and connect with nature, building knowledge, awareness, and a sense of shared responsibility for the bay and its ecosystems through our Guardians programme.
03.
Advocacy
We amplify local voices and promote informed decision-making, working with communities, policymakers, and partner organisations to ensure positive outcomes for nature, people, and future generations.
BECOME A GUARDIAN
Register your interest
Our Guardians are a growing network of people committed to supporting our mission to safeguard and enhance the natural heritage of Donegal Bay.
Through their support, Guardians are helping Donegal Bay Conservation Trust build a stronger future for the bay through citizen science, education, community engagement, and conservation action. In return, Guardians have the opportunity to take part in DBT events and experiences throughout the year, from education workshops and citizen science surveys to community gatherings and on-the-water experiences.
The Guardian programme is launching soon. Register your interest below and we'll be in touch with more details, along with news and upcoming events.
JOIN US
Upcoming events
SHORT FILMS
From the Bay
Find out more about what we do here at Donegal Bay Conservation Trust. These short films follow our work out on the water, from close wildlife encounters to the projects helping protect the bay and everything living in it.
SUPPORTED BY
