Killary Fjord
Site Overview
Killary Fjord is Ireland’s only true fjord, deep (40+ m) with a muddy, silty bottom rich in sea pens, Norway lobsters, flatfish and giant urchins. The sheltered inner section is ideal for training, while the scale and silence of the fjord make it unique. A different kind of Irish dive, Killary rewards careful, slow exploration and a respect for the silt. 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
"Plan the dive around the inner fjord and brief on the silt and depth. Descend slowly, control buoyancy to avoid kicking up mud, and use a torch to find the sea pens and lobsters. Watch for boat traffic in the working fjord, and ascend with a safety stop. 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
Sea Pen
Pennatula phosphorea
Best: Year-round
Norway Lobster
Nephrops norvegicus
Best: Year-round
Flatfish
Pleuronectiformes
Best: Year-round
Giant Urchin
Echinus esculentus
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Silt suspension
- Depth (to 45 m)
- Mild current
- Cold water
- Boat traffic
- Remote fjord
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and training groups who want a unique fjord environment with unusual life. A great contrast to reef and wreck diving. 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
- Killary Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Recess • 10km away
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden • 4km away