Newcastle (Mourne Coast)
Site Overview
Newcastle on the Mourne Coast offers rocky reefs with cod, pollack and scallops, good visibility after calm weather, and the scattered wreck of the SS Connemara (1916). Gentle and scenic beneath the Mourne Mountains, it is a favourite for training and relaxed diving, with history and life close to the shore. A practical, family-friendly site on the east of the peninsula. 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 plan a shallow profile over the reef. Move slowly to spot cod and scallops, keep fins off the bottom, and use a torch for colour. Watch for boat traffic near the harbour, and ascend with a safety stop before a careful shore exit. Look for the Connemara debris. 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
Cod
Gadus morhua
Best: Year-round
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Best: Year-round
Scallop
Pecten maximus
Best: Year-round
Corkwing Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Shore entry surge
- Boat traffic
- Cold water
- Limited visibility
- Slippery rocks
- Mild current
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for open-water students, refresher dives and casual divers wanting an easy, scenic 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
- Newcastle Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Culloden Estate & Spa
Holywood • 10km away
Portaferry Hotel
Portaferry • 2km away