Doolin

  
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Doolin is a picturesque harbour in West Clare, close to Lisdoonvarna..  There is a good slip with plenty of parking. Campsites, hostels and hotels are in abundance. The area has many caves, both dry and underwater. Keep clear of these unless you have appropriate training. With bigger boats, all the Aran Island sites can be reached from here. The local dives sites are very exposed and can only be dived in very good conditions.

Doolin Harbour.
    There is lovely shore diving just to the North of Crab Island. Park in the big car park by the campsite and proceed towards Doolin Pt. The area around and to the east of the point is the best. Maximum  depth is abou 18M, and the area is home to a great variety of fish. There are a number of caves here which eventually go for miles in under The Burren. Entries/exits are anywhere along the shore. Again, this is a fair weather only site. Also beware of ferries which can be very frequent during summer months.

Luogh Point
       Luogh Point is about 1km south of Doolin Harbour. The point itself is quite conspicuous (see pic above). 35M is easily reached close in to the shore. The bottom, between 20M and 30M is full of gullies and huge holes which are home to a massive variety of life.  The area is very exposed and can only be accessed in very good weather conditions. Also, tides can be strong .

Doolin Point
      There is also nice diving to the north of Doolin Point. 30M is attainable fairly close to the shore. The bottom gets shallower in a series of steps as you head towards land. Many species reside here, especially, Ling, Lobster, Crayfish, Crab, Pollack, Wrasse, Pouting and many more.





 

Carraroe Golam Head Fanore New Quay Doolin