Bray Head
Site Overview
Bray Head is a readily accessible shore dive on the Wicklow coast, with shale and granite reefs holding pollack, wrasse, anemones, crabs and the occasional dogfish. Gentle and convenient, it is a favourite for training and relaxed exploration close to Dublin, with a scenic headland above. The modest visibility is offset by easy logistics and dependable macro 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
"Enter from the shore and swim out to the reef, controlling buoyancy over the varied bottom. Move slowly to spot the small creatures, keep fins off the substrate, and use a torch for colour. Watch for boat traffic near the bathing area, and ascend with a safety stop before a careful shore exit. 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
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Best: Year-round
Corkwing Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Snakelocks Anemone
Anemonia viridis
Best: Year-round
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Dogfish
Scyliorhinus canicula
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Shore entry surge
- Boat traffic
- Cold water
- Limited visibility
- Slippery rocks
- Mild current
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Perfect for open-water students and casual divers wanting an easy shore site near the city. Suits all levels in calm conditions. 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
- Bray Dive Club
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Merrion Hotel
Dublin • 6km away
The Marker Hotel
Dublin • 8km away