Dive sites in Ireland
Browse by region, city or dive type to find suitable locations for your experience level.
Regions
All dive sites
Malin Head
Carndonagh · County Donegal · Ireland
Ireland's most northerly point offering dramatic cold-water diving on WWII wrecks, kelp forests, and basalt reef systems teeming with seals and nudibranchs.
Aran Islands
Galway · County Galway · Ireland
Three limestone islands at the mouth of Galway Bay where Atlantic walls, kelp forests, and dramatic drop-offs shelter blue sharks, seals, and extraordinary cold-water biodiversity in wild western Ireland.
Blasket Islands
Dingle · County Kerry · Ireland
A wild Atlantic archipelago off the Dingle Peninsula where cathedral-arched sea caves, kelp-draped granite walls, and powerful currents attract grey seals, blue sharks, and vast shoals of pollock.
Diving in Ireland
Dive sites in Ireland include wreck, wall, reef locations across County Donegal, County Galway, County Kerry. Each location includes depth, conditions and environment type to help you plan safely.
Use the region and city navigation above to narrow your search, or explore individual site pages for detailed conditions, entry type, skill requirements and nearby alternatives.
FAQ
What wrecks can I dive at Malin Head, Ireland?
Malin Head's waters contain numerous wrecks from both World Wars, including merchant vessels torpedoed by U-boats and at least one documented U-boat wreck. The SS Doreen, a cargo vessel sunk in 1917, is one of the most accessible. Deeper wrecks require technical diving qualifications. Local operators can advise on current conditions and site selection based on your experience level.
What equipment do I need for diving at Malin Head?
A drysuit is essential for diving at Malin Head, where water temperatures range from 9 to 15 degrees Celsius. Most divers use twin-tank configurations for deeper wreck dives. A good-quality torch is important as visibility can be limited and wrecks are in deeper, darker water. Hood, dry gloves, and thermal undergarments are standard for comfort during typical 30-45 minute dives.
When is the best time to dive at Malin Head?
The summer months from June to September offer the best conditions, with warmer water reaching 15 degrees, longer daylight hours, calmer seas, and better visibility. July and August are peak months. Winter diving is possible but challenging, with rough seas, cold temperatures around 9 degrees, and short daylight. Always check weather forecasts and sea conditions before committing to a dive.
How do you get to the Aran Islands for diving?
The Aran Islands are reached by ferry from Rossaveal in Connemara, approximately 40 minutes west of Galway city. The ferry crossing to Inis Mor, the largest island, takes about 40 minutes. Aer Arann operates small aircraft from Connemara Airport to all three islands with a flight time of eight minutes. Diving is typically arranged through operators based on Inis Mor or through mainland Galway dive centres that run boat trips to the islands. Weather-dependent schedules are common, particularly for the more exposed southern and western dive sites.
What diving conditions should I expect at the Aran Islands?
The Aran Islands sit exposed to the full force of the North Atlantic, and conditions can change rapidly. Water temperatures range from 10 to 16 degrees Celsius, requiring a minimum 7mm semi-dry or drysuit. Visibility is highly variable, from 5 metres after storms to over 25 metres during settled summer weather. Strong tidal currents affect many dive sites, particularly the channels between islands, making tide planning essential. The best and most consistent conditions occur from June through September during settled high-pressure weather systems.