| Key Activities | 🛟 Rescue • 🏥 Rehabilitation • 📚 Public Education |
|---|---|
| Location | Courtown Harbour, Co.Wexford, Ireland, Y25PD92 , Ireland |
| Seal Hotline | +353 87 1955393 |
| Website | https://www.sealrescueireland.org/ |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Species | harbor seal • grey seal |
| Rehab & Release | ✔ |
| Sanctuary | ✖ |
| Open to Public | ✔ |
| How to Help | Donate • Adopt • Volunteer |
| Social Media | 
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Founded in 2010 as the Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary, Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) began as a small local initiative. After a devastating storm in 2014 destroyed their original facility, the organization relocated to Courtown, County Wexford, where it reemerged as the sole seal hospital in the Republic of Ireland.
Despite early setbacks, SRI has grown into a nationally coordinated rescue network, supported by over 700 trained volunteers across the country. These volunteers respond to reports of stranded, sick, or orphaned seal pups, transporting them to the Courtown facility for rehabilitation and eventual release. One of their trademarks are “Wetsuit mums”, comforting seal substitutes crafted from repurposed neoprene wetsuits to mimic the warmth and shape of a mother seal, helping pups feel secure and recover more quickly.
SRI’s work goes far beyond rescue. They lead environmental education programs, host marine conservation roadshows, and collaborate on habitat restoration projects, including planting thousands of native trees to combat coastal erosion and water pollution. Their social media presence is als top-notch: with 1.9 million TikTok followers and a vibrant presence on Instagram and Facebook, SRI has become a beloved voice for wildlife advocacy, sharing seal stories that educate and inspire.