Kerry's most famous resident is said to be recovering after being injured in the water.

It was noticed yesterday, during one of the regular tours around Dingle, that Fungie the Dolphin had a gash on the right-hand side of his back.

It is believed the injury could have been caused by a propeller, another dolphin or even after he came in contact with a rock.

The bottlenose dolphin has been in Kerry for 33 years - and it is thought he could have a lifespan of somewhere between 40 and 50 years.

Fungie has been entertaining for decades | Image: dingledolphin.com

He is about 13 feet in length and weighs around 250kgs. 

People from all walks of life have come to Dingle especially to see Fungie. Celebrities - including Pierce Brosnan, Mary Black and Jean Kennedy-Smith - have all paid him a visit.

Jimmy Flannery Junior is chairman of the Dingle Boatmen's Association, and he told Newstalk Lunchtime Fungie is on the mend.

"We just noticed yesterday that he had a gash on his back on the right hand side. It's not unusual, that happens every now and again, but I'm happy to report this morning that it's healing up very, very quickly."

Flannery also noted that Fungie was not on his own in the water, as the levels of activity were extremely high at this time of year: "The wildlife that's in the water at the moment, from the minke whales, the grey seals and the puffins on the Blaskets [...] and there are thousands of the small common dolphins in the area as well at the moment, so it's just wonderful to be out here."