Northern Ireland
GENERAL
Northern Ireland offers a variety of diving opportunities from the rugged cliffs of Rathlin Island off the north coast to the more protected enclosed waters of Strangford Lough. All around the coast, the legacy of ship wrecks on the sea bed and the clear, unpolluted water means that there are opportunities for shore and boat diving.
RATHLIN ISLAND
Rathlin Island with a population of about 1,000 sits 6 miles off the north coast and seems to have acted as a magnet for crippled ships with more than 50 known wrecks. Its strategic position close to shipping lanes resulted in many wrecks from the two World Wars.
Typical of the wartime wrecks is the wreck of the cruiser HMS Drake, sunk in 1917 by the German submarine U79 while escorting an inboard convoy towards England. U79 was nearing the end of its patrol and had only 3 torpedoes remaining. With great accuracy, U79’s commander used the torpedoes to good effect, hitting 3 ships, the Drake, a destroyer, HMS Brisk and a merchant ship, the Lugano. Captain Radcliffe attempted to beach the DRAKE on Rathlin Island but, with damaged steering gear, collided with a fourth ship, the Mendip Range, before successfully anchoring in Church Bay on the south coast. The ship’s company was successfully landed before the ship sank in 18 metres. This might have been the end of the story but for an unfortunate incident in 1962 when a Fleetwood trawler, the Ella Hewett, ran aground on the wreck of the Drake before sinking alongside.
The Drake was subsequently broken by salvage operations and is now well dispersed over the seabed but remains one of the most - dived sites round the island. Together with the adjacent Ella Hewett is a relatively easy dive in 18 metres on a flat seabed although visibility can be poor if sand on the seabed has been disturbed. Some of the 6 inch guns are still visible but care must be taken as even now there is still the chance that live ammunition may be uncovered on the site. Parts of the wreck are still intact and it is possible to swim through some sections.
The Second World War contributed the wreck of the Lochgarry, a passenger ship on troop carrying duties off the west coast of Scotland which went astray and hit rocks off Torr Point. With a badly damaged bow and water pouring in the captain had no option but to put the ship astern, finally anchoring and being abandoned half a mile east of Rathlin Island before sinking. The wreck is well preserved and sits upright in 32 metres and is another popular dive site although care is needed with a potentially strong current over the site.
Rathlin Island can be dived by boat from the island itself or by launching from one of the small harbours along the north coast. Great care is needed in transiting to the island as sea conditions are notoriously challenging an the weather can be unpredictable.
Ferries to the island are run by Caledonian MacBryne. They depart from Ballycastle and cost less than £10 with bicycles at £2. It may be necessary to book in advance on +44 (0)28 20769299. It is not possible to take cars to the island.
Accommodation available on the island includes a guest house, a hostel and a self - catering cottage. Details ca be found on the County Antrim website at http://www.antrim.net.
DIVING THE NORTH ANTRIM COAST
The north coast is a dramatic mixture of rocky shoreline and beaches, peppered with small harbours offering the chance for shore diving and the opportunity to launch small boats.
At Port Rush, a site on the east side of the headland called the Blue Pool can be dived from the shore. A jump entry into 2 metre deep water leads to a gentle 8 metre dive with good visibility and a fair mix of sealife.
Just 300 metres east of Ballintoy harbour lies the wreck of the Templemore, a coaster sunk in 1911, in 18 metres of water. The wreck is broken but some sections, including the boilers, are still intact and fish are attracted to the urchin - encrusted remains. Currents here can be tricky.
Ballintrae is another site offering shore diving. Entering below the car park
just east of the harbour and swimming westwards along the rocky seabed in front of the large hotel offers a reasonable dive at high water. During a night dive here, large numbers of fish and lobsters will be spotted. Exit is across the beach in front of the hotel.
STRANGFORD LOUGH
Strangford Lough is an enclosed body of water some 30 km long and 6 km wide with a narrow exit to the sea in the south. This can lead to strong currents and exhilarating drift diving at the southern end of the Lough. Launching for small boats is available at Strangford and Portaferry.
One of the most popular sites in the Lough is the LEES, a liberty ship. Relatively shallow at 10 metres this is nevertheless well worth a visit. Large portions of the wreck are still intact and encrusted with marine life including dead mans fingers.
OTHER INSHORE SITES
There are numerous lakes across Northern Ireland. Although these are generally dark and unwelcoming, some may offer unusual diving opportunities. In particular, some of the Loughs in Fermanagh were used as bases for Sunderland flying boats, some of which sunk at their moorings.
CLIMATE AND DIVING CONDITIONS
Above water, winters tend to be generally mild, and summers generally cool.
Coldest months of the year: usually January and February. Average temperature: 4°C-7°C.
Warmest months of the year: July and August. Average temperature: 14°C-16°C.
Sunniest months of the year: May and June. Average sunshine per day: 5-7 hours.
Average rainfall is between 800 and 1200 mm per year.
Northern Ireland benefits from the Gulf Stream. Water temperatures in summer will typically reach 15°C, but significantly colder in winter. Dry suits or 8 mm semi - dry suits are recommended. Beware of further wind - chilling if a long transit in an open boat is planned after diving.
The waters around the coast are unpolluted and visibility can be excellent except near coasts where sediment can be disturbed after periods of bad weather.
FOR NON-DIVERS
Northern Ireland has much to offer non-divers including the dramatic scenery of the coast, walking in the mountains of Mourne and cruising on Lough Erne. The more adventurous will appreciate the opportunities for rock climbing, hang gliding and canoeing.
USEFUL REFERENCE
Cecil, Tommy. The Harsh Winds of Rathlin. 1990. Published by: Impact Printing, Coleraine. (An excellent overview of the wrecks around Rathlin Island together with other background information o the island.)
UK DIVE GUIDES
Books and guides to help you plan, and to take with you - buy on-line.
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
in association with amazon.co.uk
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Strangford Lough
Wreck Heaven by Scott Laddiman
SDC Advanced Sea Sickness in Northern Ireland by Nigel Hewitt
Northern Ireland on M.V. Salutay with Poole Dam Divers by Alan Ewart
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