Strangford Lough – The Ringhaddy Wall
Site Overview
The Ringhaddy Wall is a steep drop-off in the more sheltered part of Strangford Lough, decorated with sponges, sea squirts, conger eels and abundant macro. Calmer than the Narrows, it is a great site for intermediate divers and those building skills, with reliable conditions and rich life. A favourite for photographers and training groups on the Ards 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
"Plan a profile along the wall, controlling buoyancy to avoid stirring silt. Move slowly to spot sponges and squirts, keep fins off the reef, and use a torch for colour. Watch for boat traffic near the moorings, 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. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Sponge
Halichondria panicea
Best: Year-round
Sea Squirt
Ciona intestinalis
Best: Year-round
Conger Eel
Conger conger
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Anemone
Urticina felina
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Mild current
- Cold water
- Boat traffic
- Limited visibility
- Silt suspension
- Fragile reef
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and training groups who want a sheltered, life-rich wall. A great stepping stone before the Narrows. 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
- Ringhaddy Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Culloden Estate & Spa
Holywood • 10km away
Portaferry Hotel
Portaferry • 2km away