A population assessment of the bottlenose dolphins in the Lower River Shannon candidate SAC was undertaken between July and October 2010. Dolphins were located on each transect. During 12 transects a total of 64 dolphin groups were encountered with 547 individuals recorded. Group sized ranged from 1-50 overall. Lone dolphins were reported on two occasions. Dolphins were located throughout the survey area with concentrations off Kilcredaun Head, Kilbaha, Leck Point in the outer estuary and Carrig buoy in the middle estuary.