Diving Mayo & North-West Connacht

About Mayo & North-West Connacht

Mayo and North-West Connacht blend mountain, island and Atlantic coast into some of Ireland’s most scenic diving. Achill Island’s Keem Bay drops as steep underwater cliffs through kelp to seals and summer basking sharks, while the Bills Rocks are remote pinnacles under a gannet colony. Belmullet and the Erris Peninsula guard exposed reefs and the scattered SS T.W. Lawson, the largest pure sailing ship, and Downpatrick Head adds sea-stack caverns. Killala Bay and Inishturk or Clare Island offer sheltered training, walls and wild, seal-rich diving. Unspoiled and dramatic, Mayo is for those who love remote, authentic cold-water adventure. The region rewards careful planning and a drysuit, and its sites suit a range of cold-water experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Achill Keem Bay: steep cliffs, kelp and summer basking sharks
• ✓The Bills Rocks: remote pinnacles under a gannet colony
• ✓Belmullet & Erris: exposed reefs and the SS T.W. Lawson
• ✓Downpatrick Head: sea stacks, caverns and macro life
• ✓Inishturk & Clare Island: pristine walls, kelp and seals

Getting There

Fly into Knock (NOC) or drive from Galway or Dublin. Dive bases sit in Westport, Achill, Belmullet and Louisburgh, with boats to Clare Island, Inishturk and the Bills Rocks.