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The
Dives
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1.
Diamond
Rocks
On the southern side of Moore Bay, Kilkee are 'The Diamond Rocks'. From
the land side these can be accessed by footpath from the car park near
'The Pollack Holes'. The name comes from the quartz in the rocks, which
glisten in the sunshine. This dive is normally accessed by boat and is
located between Intrinsic Bay and Duggerna Rock. There is a reef about
7-9m deep, which protects a deep, narrow gorge about 30m deep between
the reef and the shore. There is usually an abundance of life in
the gorge, as it is fairly inaccessible to fishermen etc. Also the
visibility is usually very good. The key to finding the gorge is to
enter the water very close to the shore, hence you need very calm
conditions. It's best to start at the northern end and follow the
gorge, picking whatever depth that suits you, all the way to the
end, which opens out into Intrinsic Bay. Out side the reef the
bottom falls away to 40m plus. Avoid this dive in any but the best of
conditions. This is a fair weather dive only.
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The Black
Rocks
Just at the mouth of Moore Bay (Kilkee), there is a group of rocks
known as the Black Rocks (Inner Rk., Middle Rk. and Outer Rk.)
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2.
Middle Rock
This is probably the best dive in Kilkee. It get's covered by the tide
so it maybe a little difficult to find above half tide. The scenery is
superb on three of the four sides with steep drop-off's. 40M is
possible on the western side. The are many rock features and ledges
teeming with life. Visibility here is usually very good. It's best to
start at the southern side, gradually working your way north, and
then east.
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3.
Outer Rock
Not far outside Middle Rk lies Outer Rk. Like Middle Rock this is
covered by high tide but can be found by the white water breaking
over it. This is a fair weather dive, and there is always a danger of
swell. Similar to Middle Rk., there are deep drop-offs with amazing
scenery down to about 37M and then sloping off deeper. This is a
fair weather dive only.
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4.
Illaunabaha
Just north of George's Hd. There is a headland called Illaunabaha. It's
more sheltered than the above dives but is still quite exposed to
anything from the west. A nice scenic dive with depths of 25M/30M.
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5.
Biraghty Mór
About 1km North of Kilkee Bay this island is worth a visit. With a
sheer face on the landward side and sloped on the sea face it is
sheltered from the Westerly swells. It has a rock bottom on a sheer
face varying from 25m to 35+m with the ground away from the rock very
deep. The plant and fish life is excellent. The shelter of the rock
allows diving inside a large cave at it's SW corner. |