Ards Peninsula – Cloghy Rocks
Site Overview
Cloghy Rocks is a submerged boulder field on the Ards Peninsula with kelp forest, dogfish, rays and the occasional seal. Gentle and easily accessed, it is a favourite for training and relaxed exploration on the lough’s edge. The modest visibility is offset by easy logistics and dependable critters, making it a practical family-friendly site. 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 or short boat and plan a shallow profile around the boulders. Move slowly to spot the small creatures, keep fins off the kelp, and use a torch for colour. Watch for boat traffic near the harbour, and ascend with a safety stop before a careful 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
Dogfish
Scyliorhinus canicula
Best: Year-round
Ray
Raja clavata
Best: Year-round
Corkwing Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Best: Year-round
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic
- Mild current
- Cold water
- Limited visibility
- Slippery entry
- Kelp entanglement
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for open-water students, refresher dives and macro photographers wanting an easy site. 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
- Ards Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Culloden Estate & Spa
Holywood • 10km away
Portaferry Hotel
Portaferry • 2km away