Ireland’s Saltee Islands are located off County Wexford, about five kilometers south of Kilmore Quay. Renowned for their bird life, these islands have been unoccupied from the early 20th century forward, and are today Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary. Though the waters around the islands can be treacherous during bad weather, earning the area the nickname of the “Graveyard of a Thousand Ships,” when conditions are fair, the area is ideal for diving. Let’s take a closer look at some of the area’s finest dive sites.
The Brandies - Ireland Dive Sites
Lying to the south of the smaller Saltee Island, the Brandies are a pair of rocks that often break the surface. At West Brandy, strong tidal currents bring abundant nutrients with them, nourishing a sublimely beautiful garden of sea anemones and seaweed, and attracting a wide variety of wrasse, pout, and other fish. On the seaward side, you’ll find a dramatic drop to a depth of about 35 meters, and on the other side, you’ll find a slope with more big anemone-covered rocks to explore. Watch for dogfish, crabs, and lobsters here, along with masses of colorful wrasse and shoaling Pollack. At East Brandy, the scenery is much the same, with the addition of an old wreck called the Verfradio, which is located at a depth of 20 meters.
Makestone Rock - Ireland Dive Sites
Located on the east end of Great Saltee, Makestone Rock is a massive, submerged moonlight which rises up from a depth of about 15 meters to within just a few meters of the surface. Though prone to a current which brings silt with it, the site features a smooth, sandy bottom and is home to quite a few fish and crustaceans. As long as no current is present, Makestone Rock is a great site for all divers to enjoy.
West End Drift - Ireland Dive Sites
The strong currents that almost always wash this area create the perfect conditions for a fast-paced drift along a sandy bottom liberally sprinkled with intriguing rock formations. There are fish in abundance here, and as the currents bring nutrients with them, anemones and sponges are prolific. Maximum depth is 20 meters, and the site is suitable for experienced divers only.
Coningmor Rock - Ireland Dive Sites
A massive rock that emerges from the water to provide a resting spot for birds and seals, Coningmor Rock is beautifully scenic. The seals here are quite used to divers and can be seen underwater, and there is no shortage of fish and other marine life. Maximum depth is 30 meters, though there is plenty to see in much shallower water. Dive at slack water only as strong tidal currents prove treacherous at other times.
Coningbeg Rock - Ireland Dive Sites
Located near Coningmore Rock, Coningbeg Rock emerges at low tide and creates a break at high water. You’ll find masses of anemones and sponge covering these rocks, plus there are crabs, lobsters, and wrasse in abundance. A lighthouse once stood here, and the remains of its foundation can be observed, along with pieces of an unknown wreck. While maximum depth is 45 meters, there is plenty to see along the upper portion of this massive rock, in only a few meters of water. As with Coningmor Rock, Coningbeg Rock is subject to strong tidal currents and should only be dived at slack water.
Once you’ve finished diving the Saltee Islands, spend some time at Kilmore Quay if you can. This scenic village is a popular tourist destination, with leisure facilities, excellent seafood, and great pubs, often with live music adding to the overall pleasantness of the atmosphere. Accommodations are available in Wexford Town, and there are numerous cultural and historic attractions located within about an hour of Kilmore Quay. Whether you’re in Ireland just for the diving, or for a glimpse of the unique way of life the Emerald Isle has to offer, you’ll find this area provides both – and you won’t soon forget the many wonderful things you’ll experience while visiting.