Kilmore Quay – Saltee Islands
Site Overview
The Saltee Islands off Kilmore Quay are dramatic granite islands with steep walls, grey seals, diving gannets and abundant pollack and wrasse. Reached by boat from the pretty fishing village, the clear water and remote setting make this a standout south-east dive. It is exposed and weather-dependent, suiting confident intermediate to advanced divers who want seals, birds and big reef life in one spectacular trip. 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 DSMB. Descend along the granite, control buoyancy to avoid the reef, and watch for seals and fish schools. Ascend at the planned point with a safety stop and deploy the marker for the boat. Keep an eye on the surface for swell on the return crossing. 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
Gannet
Morus bassanus
Best: Year-round
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Best: Year-round
Corkwing Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Blue Shark
Prionace glauca
Best: August, September
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate current
- Exposure and swell
- Cold water
- Remote islands
- Boat traffic
- Fragile reef
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For intermediate to advanced divers with drysuit experience who enjoy seals, walls and remote island diving. A great wildlife-focused dive. 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
- Kilmore Quay Charters
- Saltee Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Granville Hotel
Waterford • 5km away
The Dunbrody Country House
Arthurstown • 15km away