Introduction
Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of scuba diving destinations, but the Emerald Isle has some amazing diving sites that are definitely worth exploring. From the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the fascinating marine life, Ireland has plenty to offer for divers of all levels.
In this article, we will highlight some of the 5 top diving sites in Ireland that are sure to leave you breathless.
1. Malin Head
Malin Head is located at the northernmost tip of Ireland and is known for its rugged coastline, clear waters, and abundance of marine life. Divers can expect to see colorful corals, anemones, starfish, and a variety of fish species.
One of the most popular dive sites in Malin Head is the MV Laurentic, a British ocean liner that sank during World War I. The wreckage is now home to a diverse range of marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and dogfish
2. Inisheer
Inisheer is the smallest of the three Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life, including basking sharks, seals, and dolphins.
The dive sites around Inisheer are particularly popular with wreck divers, with several sunken ships waiting to be explored. One of the most famous wrecks is the Plassey, a cargo ship that ran aground in the 1960s and has since become an artificial reef.
3. Kilkee
Kilkee is a small town located on the west coast of Ireland and is a popular destination for divers due to its variety of dive sites. The town is situated on a peninsula and is surrounded by cliffs, caves, and arches that are perfect for exploration.
Divers can expect to see colorful sponges, anemones, and fish species such as wrasse and pollock. One of the most popular dive sites in Kilkee is the Pollock Holes, a series of deep rock pools that are home to an array of marine life.
4. Skellig Islands
The Skellig Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. The islands are known for their rugged terrain and are home to a variety of bird species, including puffins and gannets.
The waters surrounding the islands are also home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and seals. Divers can explore the underwater caves, cliffs, and rocky outcrops that are home to a diverse range of marine life.
5. Hook Head
Hook Head is located on the southeast coast of Ireland and is home to some of the most stunning underwater landscapes in the country. The area is particularly popular with wreck divers, with several sunken ships waiting to be explored.
One of the most famous wrecks is the SS Baygitano, a cargo ship that sank in 1903 and is now home to a diverse range of marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and conger eels.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ireland may not be as well-known as other diving destinations, but it has a lot to offer for divers of all levels. From the stunning underwater landscapes to the diverse range of marine life, Ireland’s diving sites are definitely worth exploring.
Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, there is something for everyone in the waters around the Emerald Isle.