Headed to Ireland!

[Irishalepunk]

I am a huge fan of Ireland and for my sister's graduation the family is headed out that way. I will be bringing my dive gear because I believe it would be awesome to combine my two loves. Diving and Ireland together.
so just wondering if anyone has dove in Ireland and if so what should  I be expecting
I will be there around the begining of July and we will be around County Kerry southern part of Ireland.
Tell me your thoughts

[AandA]

My sister lives in southern Ireland and I've visited there several times but have never done any scuba diving. I do know that the water will be on the cool side all summer and dry suits are typically used. I did a quick google search and here's just one website with dive sites indicated on a map of Ireland:
You can click on a site to get detailed info. about it.

Also, if this is your first trip to Ireland be aware that during the summer it can be fairly rainy and high temperatures are generally in the low 70's. I have brought a pair of shorts on my visits, but have never worn them. It's good to bring clothes you can layer such as short sleeve shirts and sweaters and/or sweatshirts, and rain gear and umbrellas will most likely be needed! Southern Ireland is beautiful! You'll love it!!

Also, to put a plug in for my sister, she and her husband are potters so if you like gorgeous hand-crafted pottery let me know and I'll give you their location. They sell their pottery from their own shop just outside of Macroom.

I'll be anxious to hear how your trip goes including the diving! Be sure to post a trip report when you return!

Aly

[Irishalepunk]

Yeah I have been to Ireland once but I didnt get to dive then. but it was never the less amazing but this time I will be diving and yeah I hear i may be just a tad cold but thats alright. When I go ill be staying in county Kerry Dont know if thats close to where your sister lives but While I am there I may as well check it out. Oh and Yes there will be a full dive report Hopefully it will be amazing 

[DetectorGuy]

Hi, My sister and mom go to Ireland twice a year. They pretty much hang around Dingle on the South East coast. They keep telling me that the diving there would be incredible. Spanish Galleons have wrecked along the South East coast of Ireland but the locations are unknown. Even Christopher Columbus sailed north and took a left turn when he got to Ireland to find the "new world". There are some popular wrecks off the islands around Dingle and there has to be Viking ships sunk near there. There are ring castles in an area called the "Burrens" and the two non-electric metal detectors I gave them to use while they are there were going crazy. These metal detectors were just pieces of #9 wire that were bent 90 degrees. The locals would frown on taking antiquities but they just wanted to see if there was metal around these stone walls. They told me that they couldn't walk 4 feet before they ran into more metal. They told me that there are lakes that weren't there 1000 years ago, and that there are stone houses and things in the bottom of these lakes from the viking days. That would be really cool to dive there. If you really want to get creeped out go to a cemetery and look closely at the ground. Most cemeteries in Ireland have bones scattered on top of the ground. Well... Enjoy your trip.

[AandA]

County Cork is in southern Ireland just to the east of County Kerry. If you find yourself near Macroom the shop is called Coolavokig Pottery owned by Robb Bradstock & Meredith Flandreau (my sister  ;D) - Here's a description of their work:

Coolavokig Pottery established in 1977 by Robb Bradstock and Meredith Flandreau, specializes in the production of high quality, wood fired, stoneware pottery. All work is wheel thrown and the domestic range combines practicality and function with aesthetically pleasing forms. Some pieces are left unglazed on the outside and decorated with intricate knot work designs. The effect of firing with wood gives the pottery its unique and distinctive quality. Each piece has an individuality due to its position in the kiln and the amount of wood-ash absorbed by the glazed or unglazed surface. All work produced is only available through the retail shop at Coolavokig or at selected exhibitions.  Pottery Shop open all year, daily from 9 am to 7pm. 10Km from Macroom on N22. More information tel: 026-40172

Drop my name if you get there and they'll be thrilled, esp. to know that you also scuba dive (they don't - yet). Can't wait to read your trip report!!

Aly Gullette

[AandA]

By the way the most recent addition of the Undersea Journal by PADI has a terrific multiple page article on diving in Ireland! I highly recommend that you read it. If you'd like to borrow my copy send me a PM with your address and I'll mail it to you.

Art

[AandA]

P.S. Don't forget to say "hi" to Fungi (does anyone know who that is?). Probably one of the best divers in Ireland. I really, really hope you get a chance to dive with him. Others have and say it's an AMAZING experience ;D 

Art and Aly

[Kirk]

If you dive Trimix, I’d check out the Lusitania (I think it is at about 300 feet deep down).  Given the number of lost souls on that wreck, and given how uptight the Irish government might be, they might have to be a sneak dives.  - Kirk