Ireland
TOP DIVE SITES – NORTHWEST IRELAND
Florence – the wreck lies at a depth of only 10 m and thus this dive site is good for beginners. The cargo ship was on her way from Galway to Derry when she hit the rocks during a storm and sank.Location: Sheephaven Bay, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterHMS Wasp – the wreck of a navy gunboat lies at a depth of 15 m. The ship struck the rocks and sank in 1884. There is an abundance of marine life in this area. This is a weather dependent dive.Location: Tory Island, 15 km off the County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterHorn Head – this site is famous for caves, cliffs, a reef and lots of fish and other marine life (including sunfish, lobsters, crabs and sea cucumbers). The depth ranges from 20 to 30 m. One of the caves is 100 m long. Waters in this area can be very rough sometimes.Location: 10 km off the Downings Bay, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sand and pebblesRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterKalliopis – the wreck lies at a depth of 25 m. The cargo ship was attacked by a submarine and sank. There is a plenty of parts of the ship to be seen in this area, as well as rich sea life.Location: Downings, County Donegal Type of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterLaurentic – the wreck of a huge liner lies at a depth of 40 m. The ship was carrying a cargo of gold from Great Britain to Canada when she run into a mine and sank in 1917. It is a great dive for divers of all levels. During seven years after the disaster almost 3 200 gold bars were recovered. This site is exposed to strong currents. The wreck is the home to lots of marine life. Divers may see Pollock, wrasses, lobsters, crabs and many others. The wreck is owned by the Cossum family and their permission is required to dive there.Location: Lough Swilly, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: pebblesRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterLimeburner Rock – this is a huge rock and diving in this area can be a great experience for divers of all levels. The depth ranges from 10 to 40 m. This site is popular due to abundant marine life – crayfish, lobsters and sunfish. This is a weather dependent dive.Location: about 3 km off Melmore Head, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: pebblesRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterMelmore Head – there is a lot to see in this area, enough for two or more dives. There are large boulders, reefs, caves and an abundance of marine life in this area – lobsters, shrimps, conger eels, wrasses and scorpion fish. At a depth of 26 m there is a beautiful cave full of underwater fauna and flora. This is a weather dependent dive. The maximum depth is 30 m.Location: Melmore Head, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sand/rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterNarrows – a gret spot for drift dives. The maximum depth is 22 m.Location: near Melmore Head, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPan Bay – this is a great spot with plenty of marine life. The zone is well-protected from strong currents. The residents of this area include dogfish, crabs, pipefish and many more. This is a spot for divers of all levels. The maximum depth is 35 m.Location: Mulroy, County DonegalType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water