Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim
Sunday, 03 January 2010 22:07 |
| Ireland |
Rathlin Island lies just 10km off the pretty seaside resort of Ballycastle and 22km from the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland.
The island is L-shaped; one side 6.5km long, the other 4.8km, and nowhere more than 1.6km across. It is almost treeless and most of the coastline is cliff, much of it 60m high.
To reach the island, take a boat from Ballycastle across Rathlin Sound to the harbour at church Bay. The boat trip takes about one hour. It's said that Brecain, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, was lost here with his whole fleet but that was before the invention of the modern motor boat.
As you chug along, you can identify the main features of the north Antrim coast, with Fair Head towering above the sea, marking the topmost corner of Ulster. Slough na Morra, "swallow of the sea", is a whirlpool in the sea, South of Rue Point, the Southern tip of Rathlin, which arises when two tides flowing in opposite directions meet and form pyramid waves.
You don't have to do the round trip in one day: there is a guest house and a restaurant at the harbour, and a pub, and you can pitch a tent in the campsite with permission.
Rathlin is popular with bird watchers, geologists, botanists, divers, sea-anglers and anyone with a love for wild and rugged scenery.
The Diving
The choice and variety for the Rathlin diver is quite phenomenal. With some of the deepest water and underwater cliffs in these islands, and some of the most famous wrecks, it has something to offer everyone. Rathlin has become established as a diving special, and now with increased facilities and accommodation created with diver in mind, it is a diving opportunity not to be missed.
Marine Life
Considered unique by marine biologists, Rathlin contains species at their most Northerly existence. One explanation for this is little temperature fluctuation. This is a result of the gulf stream plus strong tidal mixing around Rathlin. A plankton-rich flood tide has created diversity in marine life with many sponges, some extremely large and along the East side many hydroids.
Underwater cliffs off the North side are limestone and basalt layered to 180m deep.
The underwater scenery is breathtaking with caves and arches illuminated with the clarity and visibility for which Rathlin is famous. Diving with the currents in these areas can be thrilling, making it an area for experienced divers only.
Wrecks
Rathlin has over forty recorded wrecks around her shores. Some are more or less gone but there are several very exciting wrecks which prove extremely popular with divers, some shallow dives some deep.
Here are some details of the more popular ones.
H.M.S. Drake
The flagship of the Royal Navy in World War I, torpedoed and sank in Church Bay. With a length of 40m, a draught of 8m and 1400 tonnes, the wreck lies in 18m of water, but is still contains some live shells. It is an excellent night dive and tides are not a problem.
S.S. Lochgarry
A popular deep dive. A troop carrier in World War II, she sank off Rue Point in dense fog. She has a length of 80m, a draught of 5m and is 1600 tonnes. The Lochgarry sits upright on the seabed at a depth of 30m. Because of it's exposed position it may only be dived during slack water.
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| Ireland |
Strangford Lough is an inlet from the Irish Sea on the East coast of Northern Ireland, south of Belfast. It is widely acclaimed as an area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for it's bird life, seal colonies and breathtaking scenery.
The area has been popular with divers for some time and has a lot to offer. The small town of Portaferry is situated on "The Narrows". The Lough derives it's name from the Norse for "strange fjord" so named because of the extremely strong tidal currents through "The Narrows".
Spectacular Marine Life
Tidal conditions in the Lough are unique, reaching speeds of up to 8 knots in the "Narrows". This, and the physical make-up of the shoreline and seabed, create a huge variety of habitats and consequently an amazing diversity of species and spectacular communities. The abundance of food attracts and sustains an unrivalled variety of plant life with the colourful Cliona Selata Sponge growing to the size of an armchair and over 2,000 species of animals including the most important Common Seal colony in Ireland. Porpoises and Basking Sharks are regular visitors!
All year, All Weather
Sheltered dive sites can be found even in the most severe weather conditions, so there's no hanging around on the shore when you want to be out on the water1
Wreck Diving
There are over a dozen wrecks within an 8km radius of Portaferry, both inside and outside the Lough, offering an immense variety of wreck diving from 5-50m, from trawlers to cargo ships, from easy to challenging.
Drift Diving
The tidal conditions described above create some of the best opportunities for drift diving in the whole of these islands, with spectacular drop-offs plunging to depths of 65m! Not for the fainthearted!
Many other Local Attractions
Portaferry is in an area rich in historical, natural and geographical features. The shores of the Lough offer much to the historian, the nature lover, the geologist, the fisherman and the water sports enthusiast and there is plenty to occupy any non-diving members of your group.
Portaferry is home to the famous Northern Ireland Aquarium and is within easy reach of the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway and the Bushmills Distillery to name but a few other attractions.
Wicklow Head
Sunday, 03 January 2010 22:23 |
| Ireland |
Wicklow Head is located 1½ miles South of Wicklow Harbour. It can be easily identified by it's three light-houses. The headland itself is home for many species of birds including gulls, gannets and puffins, and also boasts a large seal colony. The Head is approximately 400m long and is 80m at it's highest point. For it's entire length the Head presents a sheer cliff face to the sea, making a boat dive the only possibility.
Boats may be launched in Wicklow Harbour where there are two slips, on the North and on the East side of the Harbour. The North side is probably the most useful because a launch can be made at any stage of the tide. On the East side the slip is difficult to use at low tide and can be very congested on Sundays. Do not leave trailers or cars close to the slip.
On leaving the Harbour keep well clear of "Black Castle", because of the rock plateau close to the surface, and steer for Brides Head, which is the first headland which can be seen. Keep at least 50m off Brides Head while rounding it. Wicklow Head is the next point, with its distinctive lighthouses. Also keep a good watch for marker buoys on fishing nets and lobster pots. there is a five knot speed limit within the Harbour.
When diving Wicklow Head the most important factor to be considered is the tide. Locally it can reach speeds of 6 knots, on spring and ebb tides. this combined with the wind can generate quite rough sea conditions. the cardinal rule when diving in this area is: "Always dive in the lee of the tide". If the tide is running South, dive on the South side etc.. The coxswain must be vigilant at all times because of the danger of someone getting swept away. SMB's should be used here.
Captain's Planet
This area is not actually part of the Head, but does warrant a mention. A dive is possible here on any tidal state. the maximum depth is 12m.
Descending close to the rock it is quite shallow, with a lot of gullies which make for an interesting dive. there are normally a number of seals around which keep a cautious distance. The rock formations give way, at 10m, to a flat sandy bottom. numerous fish are to be found including wrasse, dog, pollack and flat fish, with the usual assortment of crabs, lobsters and other shellfish. Diving here is interesting and very safe, ideal for the novice.
The Pond
A dive here before mid-day can be as spectacular as a west coast dive. The high cliffs around the site are home for many nesting birds, which makes an interesting day out for the non-diver. a cave which runs through the rock for 15m normally has a few seals in residence. Remember if entering a cave, never block the exit, always swim close to the wall, and in single file.
Enter the water close to the"Landing steps" and head out to sea along the reef. The kelp bed ends at 10m and the bottom continues for 15m. Alternatively, go through the cave and return back into the pond by rounding the point. there is an abundance of fish and fauna. The Pond is noted for the number of shellfish which can be seen.
Never dive this site when the tide is running South because the cave acts as a funnel with everything being sucked in and spat out the other side with quite spectacular results. When dived in the right condition it is highly recommended.
Gull Rock
Known as the "Gull Rock" because of the number of nesting gulls. The maximum depth is 10m. It opens into a sheltered bay area with a flat sandy bottom, a good area for a first dive. The further out to sea, the greater the effect of the tidal current. Normally a lot of Dogfish and Sand Dabs. This is also a good area for snorkel diving.
Carraigwee
Named "Carraigwee" because of the lichens which give the rocks a yellow colour, this is the deepest point at the Head, with 20m at high tide. Descend at the rock face and proceed along the bottom keeping the reef on your left hand side. Underwater, the reef heads almost due South, the further out the greater the tidal effect.
This is a very good dive with the reef being home for many creatures including large conger eels. It is again important to note the diving in Carraigwee should only be undertaken when the tide is running South.
One possibility which is not discussed above is a drift dive around the Head. This should only be attempted 2 hours either side of slack water and when conditions are ideal. It is also not suitable for novice divers. SMB's will be invaluable help to the coxswain. The drift dive can be an exhilarating experience and requires little effort. The bottom rises and falls as you're being swept along, with each glance revealing something new. The bottom has been swept clear of weed but does have an array of shellfish including mussels, whelk and winkles.
If planning a dive in the area contact Wicklow Sub-Aqua Club.
Lambay Island, Co. Dublin
Sunday, 03 January 2010 22:09 |
| Ireland |
Lambay Island is situated 16km North of Dublin. There are three possible launching points for access to the island, Howth (beside the yacht club), Rush Harbour and Loughshinny. The shortest route is from Rush, with a 4km journey, where there are good launching facilities.
Rush is located 27km North of Dublin on the N1, turn off at Blake's cross onto the R127. After 5km at Lusk turn right and continue for another 3km until you see on the right a sign for Rogerstown harbour. Follow the signs.
Lambay is a private island of 1100 acres, of which 360 are arable, where one may only land with permission or during and emergency. Because it is a bird sanctuary this alone makes the trip worthwhile. The island also has a herd of about 200 deer and even a few wallabies.
The depths around the island are mainly in the region of 18-20m, but up to 40m may be obtained off the nose of Lambay. There are at least four wrecks to be found off the island as well as several excellent normal dives.
1. The "Shamrock"
The Shamrock lies South West of Carrickdorish Rock and under the fresh water stream. It is in a depth of 12 to 16m and there are no currents as it is protected by Freshwater Bay.
2. The "Stratheay"
The Stratheay, a 1900 steamship, is in 18m of water and exposed to full flow of the ebb tide so that it can only be dived on a flooding tide or slack water.
3. Unknown Wreck
NE from the Stratheay around Harp Ear is another wreck, sunk in the 1920s. Again this ship is in 14 to 18m which makes good diving with little current.
4. The "Tayleur"
South of the Nose of Lambay in the first bay below the falling rocks, about 40m out, is the "Tayleur". Wrecked in 1854 with a loss of over 400 lives she was a three-decked, three-masted sailing ship. One of the first iron vessels, she was wrecked on her way to Australia, it is said, because of compass error. Lying in 15-18m, protected by the bay and with little tidal movement it can get silted up very quickly.
The Tayleur is a protected wreck and a license must be obtained from the Office of Public Works, National Monuments Branch, 51 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, before diving on her.
5. Tailor's Rocks
A reef runs between the harbour and Tailor's rocks about 300m from the shoreline. A relatively shallow dive but with plenty of fishlife and colour. There is a tidal current which runs North/South. It is advisable to dive at slack water.
6. Bishop's Bay
On the South side of the island Bishop's Bay, with it's stony beach, is ideal for an introductory or novice dive. The bottom, which gradually slopes to 16m, consists of large rock formations with patches of sand. There is an abundance of sea life. The bay is free from current providing that you keep away from the exposed points of land.
7. Sunk Island Bay
The next bay to the East, Sunk Island Bay, is also worth a visit although similar to Bishop's Bay. Again making sure you keep within the sanctuary of the bay you will encounter no currents with depths ranging from 12-22m.
Dalkey Island and the Muglins
Sunday, 03 January 2010 22:21 |
| Ireland |
At the southern end of Dublin Bay lie two islands about 1 km from the shore. These islands are probably two of the most dived on places in Ireland. The largest is Dalkey Island and the smaller is The Muglins. When conditions are good diving here can rival many of the best sites in the west of Ireland.
There is a wealth of marine life supported by it's nutrient rich waters. Anenomes, starfish, sponges, mussels and seaweeds adorn the rocks, while Pollack, Wrasse, conger, ling, etc. swim in the immediate vacinity. Crabs, lobsters and octopus hide in their rocky crevices.
Diving these islands is not as easy as it appears. Even on a calm day there is considerable turbulence from the strong currents that flow around them, but providing one knows these currents they are a pleasure to dive. A Surface Marker Buoy, Compass and a Torch are almost items of equipment for safe diving. Needless to say, it is an area for experienced divers only.
Dalkey Island
Apart from the South Eastern end of the Island the diving is shallow, 8-10m, with rocks covered with thick kelp on a sandy bottom. This is ideal for the novice diver.
The South Eastern end, under the old fort, starts in a similar manner, but slopes away to 30m. The bottom consists of large boulders, rock ledges and patches of sand. Below 20m it becomes very dark and a good torch is an absolute necessity. At 30m it is dark! The sea life is not as good as on the Muglins but it may be dived in strong N/NW winds and it is also suitable for the less experienced.
The strong currents of the area do not adversely affect diving providing one keeps away from Dalkey Sound, where current speeds of up to 2.5kns can occur at mid tide. The best dive plan is to submerge near, or to the East of the fort, swim out south-easterly underwater to your required depth and return on a reciprocal bearing to your starting point.
Do not continue into the current should you stumble across it. On ebb tides a strong rip current sweeps out of Dalkey Sound around the Fort point.
The island, which has a long history dating back to the Stone Age, gets it's name from the Irish "Delginis", meaning Thorn Island. It was fortified by the Danes and later by the English in Napoleonic times. There is also a small medieval oratory. The island is unusual in having a herd of wild goats. A new landing stage facilitates exploration.
Maiden Rock
Entry from the North tip of the rock shelters you from the strong currents that race past on either side. Proceeding due North for 30m, and down to a depth of 12m you may well see the remains of a wreck encrusted with orange coloured anenomes. However, because of it's deteriorated state this wreck is sometimes missed.
The Muglins
The island is oval in shape and about 100m long, 17m wide at it's Northern end tapering off Southwards. The rock is granite and has a cigar shaped, red and white navigation beacon on top. There is a small quay on the Western side facing Dalkey Island.
The Muglins are populated by seagulls, shags, cormorants and other sea birds above water, with a great variety of fish and seals in the water. They are well used to human activity and the seals may even give your fins a playful nip.
The backbone of the island runs in a Southerly direction, the flood tide sweeps out of Killiney Bay and around the Muglins to the North West, on the ebb tide the current flows North/South resulting in slack areas on the rock no matter how strong the tide is flowing. On the flood tide the East and North sides are diveable and on the ebb tide the South Western side is diveable.
There is a tidal rip visible at each end of the island, on the flood- the South end, and on the ebb- the North end, which should be avoided. It is inside these rip tides that diving is possible if you are able to dive at slack water.
The best diving is on the Eastern, sea side, of the rock. The slope of the rock visible above the water continues underwater to about 30m, tumbling down in a series of cliffs, ledges and boulders. The slope is steepest at the Northern end but is more gradual at the Southern end. At the Southern there is evidence of at least one wreck.
At depth it is possible to "see" where slack water ends and the current starts by observing the tumbling shells and weed while remaining in calm water. Do not enter the current unless planned.
The nearest place where one can launch a boat is from the slip in Bulloch Harbour, about 4km from the Muglins. Unfortunately this slip is tidal, and is only usable within 3 hours of high tide. Dun Laoghaire Harbour, about 6km from the Muglins, has a public slip in the inner harbour but this too is tidal.
Boats may be hired in Bulloch Harbour. These boats are mostly used by fishermen and are wooden clinker built or fibreglass hulled with low powered engines.
Dublin Bay Wrecks
There are many wrecks in the Dublin Bay area. Two of the more interesting are the R.M.S.. Leinster and the H.M.S. Guide Me II. The first is a passenger boat sunk in October 1918, one month before Armistice, the second a small gunboat sunk in August 1918. Other wrecks include the Bolivar, the Marlay and the Queen Victoria. Expeditions are arranged periodically by Oceantec, a dive centre.