Photographer captures incredible photo of dolphins enjoying a jellyfish lunch

Photographer Gareth Wray has captured plenty of stunning images of Donegal’s natural and built landscape, as well as its flora and fauna.

His commissioned photo of Glenveagh Castle features on the latest issue of Donegal Airport’s in-flight magazine Take Off. And there was a huge reaction to his picture of basking sharks off Fanad Lighthouse last year. 

But one of his recent photos which shows dolphins feeding on jellyfish off Rosguill is particularly special to him for a number of reasons.

He took to social media to share the story about how this unique wildlife encounter came about.

“Throughout the landscapes and coasts of Ireland can be found various animals such as cows, donkeys or sheep which have nowadays become symbolic to Irish landscape imagery,” he said. 

“However, one of my favourite animals to stumble upon at any time is the playful dolphin. There’s just something so comforting when watching them swimming at impressive speeds to suddenly leap straight out of the water in an impressive ‘showing off’ display for any onlookers.

Gareth hails from Strabane but spends a lot of time in Donegal.

“We have a holiday home on Tra Na Rossan Bay and for the past five years I have been staring out to sea at every chance to hopefully see our elusive Atlantic dolphins or maybe even a whale!” he said.

“Many folk have mentioned seeing them but always far out in the bay, likely due to the waters near the beach shore being too shallow. 

“On this day I decided to drive around to a highland overlooking the bay below. On arrival I was stunned to see not one but an entire pod of dolphins swimming and jumping out of the water in a frenzy! 

“When I looked closer to see what was causing this gathering and commotion, I could see large jellyfish in the water and the dolphins were actually hunting and eating them for lunch! 

“Thankfully less jellyfish stings for us now whilst swimming at the beach!”

So how is it that Gareth keeps managing to capture these precious moments and stunning images?

“Donegal is brimming with wildlife and surprises,” he said. “All you need to do is keep your eyes peeled, then simply enjoy moments like these.”

More of Gareth’s photographs can be seen on website garethwray.com and on his Gareth Wray Photography Facebook page.