Aran Islands (Poll na bPéist & Bráthair Cliff)
Site Overview
The Aran Islands offer gin-clear water, the natural rectangular blowhole Poll na bPéist (the Wormhole), Bráthair Cliff walls and underwater caves, with seals, dolphins and basking sharks. Remote and pristine, they are among the finest dives in Clare, rewarding confident intermediate to advanced divers. Reached by ferry from Doolin, the islands blend unique geology with abundant life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers.
Dive Briefing
"Brief on the wall, current and overhead risk. Descend along the limestone controlling buoyancy, stay shallow in any caves, and keep fins controlled to protect the rock. Ascend with a safety stop and deploy the DSMB for the boat. Mind the moderate current and remote island setting. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Best: Year-round
Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Best: May, June, July
Basking Shark
Cetorhinus maximus
Best: May, June, July
Anemone
Urticina felina
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate current
- Surge at entry
- Cold water
- Ferry logistics
- Remote islands
- Overhead environment
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For intermediate to advanced divers with drysuit experience who want clear walls, caves and seals. A photographer’s dream. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Aran Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Moy House
Lahinch • 5km away
The Armada Hotel
Spanish Point • 3km away