Located in County Cork, in the scenic southwest of Ireland, Bantry Bay is one of the nation’s longest inlets. Surrounded by villages and towns, and offering a depth of about 40 meters at its deepest point, this area is famous not just for its beautiful views, but for its maritime history. There are numerous wrecks in and around the bay, as well as several wonderful sightseeing dives. Here, we’ll take a look at just a handful of favorites.
Black Ball Head
Black ball head is famous for its magnificent sea cliffs, which rise up from a depth of about 45 meters to approximately 60 meters above the surface. These imposing cliffs are bordered by massive boulder fields with shallower water, and you’ll find that the entire area is teeming with fish. Masses of jewel and plumose anemones, sponges, and deadmans fingers create a colorful tapestry that has to be seen to be believed. This site is only diveable in calm conditions, during slack water.
Garnish Pier and the Coal Boat Wreck
Garnish pier is popular for its cable car, which offers a connection to Dursey Island; however, it is also a fantastic place to dive and it features a sandy beach where you can relax after exploring the underwater landscape. This site is easy to access, and you’ll find masses of anemones and sponge affixed to the pier, as well as to the wreck of an old coal boat which is located to the left of the nearby point. Only venture out to the wreck when conditions are calm; when the site can be reached, it is one of the best in the area, as the normally active currents keep the sessile life well-fed while bringing in fish by the thousands. If you’d like a nice night dive, stick to the pier structure; during the daytime, feel free to explore the surrounding rocks. Maximum depth is about 35 meters further out, but there is no shortage of life in much shallower water.
Castletownbere and The Spanish Trawler
Though just 30 meters long, the Spanish Trawler wreck is covered in anemones and sponges, and is nearly intact. This old fishing boat lies on her side just west of the rocks near Castletownbere harbor, at a depth of 30 meters. Today, she serves as a fantastic artificial reef and is teeming with life; look for congers, lobsters, and the occasional ling, along with a few dogfish and loads of wrasse. Be sure to dive with a flag here, and be careful of overhead boat traffic, particularly on Sunday afternoons when the local fishing fleet heads back out to sea for the week.
A dive shop in Newtown offers charters to nearby wrecks and offshore dive sites, and there is no shortage of topside fun to be had during surface intervals. The area is known for its golf, as well as for its cultural and historic sites; the 1796 Bantry French Armada Centre is one not to miss as it offers a look into the area’s maritime history. An easy trip to plan, a holiday to Bantry Bay is one that you’ll enjoy greatly – and it’s one even non-divers are sure to appreciate.