Arklow Bank
Site Overview
Arklow Bank is an offshore sandbank south of Wicklow known for flatfish, thornback rays, dogfish and seasonal tope sharks. The open ground and moderate current make it a different kind of dive from the rocky reefs, favouring those who enjoy hunting for rays and sharks on the sand. Reached by a longer boat run, it is a peaceful, wildlife-focused site for intermediate 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. 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 bank location, current and a turn pressure. Descend to the sand and swim slowly scanning for rays and sharks, controlling buoyancy to avoid stirring silt. Watch the moderate current, ascend with a safety stop, and deploy the DSMB for the boat to follow. 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
Thornback Ray
Raja clavata
Best: Year-round
Flatfish
Pleuronectiformes
Best: Year-round
Dogfish
Scyliorhinus canicula
Best: Year-round
Tope Shark
Galeorhinus galeus
Best: June, July, August
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate current
- Long boat ride
- Cold water
- Limited visibility
- Remote bank
- Boat traffic
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For intermediate divers who enjoy sandbank diving for rays and sharks. It suits those building boat and current skills away from the reefs. 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
- Arklow Dive Club
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Merrion Hotel
Dublin • 6km away
The Marker Hotel
Dublin • 8km away