A killer whale has been spotted off the coast of west Kerry in recent days, leaving one photographer and a number of whale-watchers in awe at the sight of the creature.

Richard Creagh managed to take a few photos of a killer orca whale, known as WO1 John Coe, a member of a group that regularly feeds off the western coast of Scotland.

And according to Creagh, it was a breathtaking experience. 

Whale sightings in Irish waters are considered an uncommon occurrence and John Coe's last appearance in Ireland dates back to July 2013, when he was spotted off the coast of Co Mayo.

There have also been registered sightings of the mammal in counties Cork, Down, Donegal, Antrim and Kerry. This latest sighting of the killer whale, follows an early season of sightings off the coast of west Kerry, including several humpback whales and minke whales.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group says that John Coe is one of the most famous killer whales in the British Isles and have asked members of the public to continue looking out for more sightings of Jonh Coe.

They added that it was unusual for him to travelling alone as he has been previously seen swimming alongside another pod member.