If you have always wanted to dive in Ireland, you can do so year round in sheltered waters, and meet some incredible sea life along the way. Killary Fjord is Ireland’s only fjord, and is an incredible sixteen kilometers long. This beautiful inland waterway offers divers protection from strong ocean currents and is ideal for divers of all levels. Let’s take a trip into the lovely emerald waters of Killary Fjord.
Killary Fjord Diving Conditions
With a maximum depth of forty five meters, County Galway’s Killary Fjord is popular with deep divers wishing to stay in practice during the off season. Most visitors to the fjord do not venture below twenty five meters, since there is very little to see below this depth.
Many people dive from shore, and most of these set out from the west side pier, and head toward the east. There are several small reefs that jut out for several meters into the water, and life is abundant. If you are visiting the area and wish to make the most of your time, best access is by boat. Local dive operators can direct you to the most interesting underwater vistas, and help you find your way to local eel hideaways.
The water is clear, and visibility normally exceeds 10-20 meters. The bottom is sandy, with rock formations, small caves, and cracks lined with plant life, crustaceans, and mollusks. You will very likely encounter scallops, tubeworms, and other small creatures feeding.
Killary Fjord Marine Life
Visitors to Killary Fjord enjoy meeting the inquisitive Conger eels, which live primarily along the northeast side. Many of these eels are used to visiting divers, and eagerly await snacks of tinned mackerel and sardines, which less timid divers have been known to feed them by hand. Colorful anemones and plants line the rocks, and fish dart to and fro, avoiding the eels’ lairs. Watch for Sea Trout and white dog whelks!
Closer to the mouth, near Killary harbor, it is not uncommon for divers to encounter big pelagics, including dolphins and whales. In the early 1990’s, Ireland’s government declared the nation’s coastal waters a sanctuary for these mammals, and today, they visit in abundance. You may encounter humpback whales, pilot whales, sardine whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, or any of the twenty-four species which have been sighted in the vicinity.
Popular Killary Fjord Dive Sites
Although there are several places to drop into the water, there are two very popular sites which stand out. First is the North Shore, which is located at Rusheen point, where a spit of land that descends from Mweelrea, Connacht’s highest mountain, enters the water. You’ll follow its rock face down to fifteen meters, and then continue working your way along the wall. Stay away from the bottom, which is silty. The slight turbulence from your swimming will cause limited visibility quickly, if you descend too far.
The second popular site is known as “The Islands”. These are located at the mouth of the harbor, and offer an amazing view of Ireland’s underwater landscape. Enjoy your time in Ireland – above and below water!