Diving

DIVING IRELAND TOP DIVE SITES - EASTERN IRELAND

TOP DIVE SITES – EASTERN IRELAND




Bolivar – the wreck of a Norwegian motor vessel lies at a shallow depth of 12 m. The ship was on her way from South America to Norwey when she ran into a storm and sank in 1947. All passengers survived. The wreck is broken in two and host various marine species – congers, large pollock and lobsters.
Location: Dublin Bay, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Dalkey Island – this site is famous for rich marine life such as anemones, sponges, various mussels, starfish, congers, crabs, lobsters, octopi and wrasses. Magnificent underwater scenery is also created by beautiful rock formations – large boulders and walls. The maximum depth is 30 m. This spot is exposed to strong currents.
Location: Dublin Bay, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand and pebbles
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Lambay Island – this private island has much to offer for divers. There are beautiful reefs, amazing roc formations and an abundance of marine life in this area. The depth ranges from 12 to 20 m and thus this site is good for divers of all levels, even for beginners. There are four wrecks in this area.
Location: Lambay Island, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Leinster – the wreck of a steam ship lies intact at a depth of 30 m. The ship was on her way from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead when she was attacked by German torpedoes and sank in 1918. Over 500 soldiers and postal workers lost their lives in the catastrophe. This site is exposed to strong currents. Diving this wreck requires a permission which can be obtained at Irish Underwater Council.
Location: 22 km of Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water


Muglins Rock – this small island, actually a granite rock, is surrounded by clear waters full of marine life. Underwater topography makes this dive enjoyable. Lucky divers may even meet seals. The depth ranges from 8 to 25 m. This spot is exposed to strong currents.
Location: Dublin Bay, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Shamrock – the wreck of a steamer lies at a depth of 15 m. The ship hit the rocks and sank in 1918. The inhabitants of this site include crabs, lobsters, wrasses and pollock. This spot is well-protected from currents and thus it is good for divers of all levels.
Location: Lambay Island, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand/rock
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Skerries – there are several dive spots in this area. One of them is called “The Captains” and it is good for divers of all levels. Even beginners can admire rich marine life in this area (shrimps, crabs, wrasses, anemones, pollock and many others). The maximum depth is 10 m.
Location: near Bettystown, County Meath
Type of dive: shore dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water


Tayleur – the wreck of a big sailing ship lies at a depth of 18 m. The ship was on her maiden voyage to Australia when it sank due to a compass error in 1854. 380 people out of 600 passengers and crew members died in the catastrophe. The wreck is in one piece. Diving this wreck requires a permission from the Office of Public Works.
Location: Lambay Island, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: rock
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water


Vanguard – the wreck of a British battleship lies at a depth of almost 45 m. The ship was on her way from Dun Loghaire to Cork in convoy when she sank in 1875 due to internal explosion. Diving this historic wreck requires a permission from the National Monuments Service.
Location: near Bray Head, County Dublin
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: CMAS 3 stars, BSAC Advanced Diver