Snorkelling Ireland

Gathering all of Ireland's best snorkelling spots into one handy place. Do you know of a spot where undersea life can be seen? Welcome to Snorkelling Ireland.

Share it with us and we will write it up. This voluntary page has been set up to collate as many snorkel sites as possible from the 3,000 kilometres of coastline that we have around Ireland. One of our greatest resources is the sea, which we are fortunate enough to have surrounding our island in all directions. The sea around us has an incredibly diverse ecosystem and is abundant in plant and sea

wildlife. All of this can be seen best when scuba diving, but scuba is not for everyone. Snorkelling brings a healthy balance between swimming and scuba diving without needing to fully break the surface of the water, use heavy expensive equipment, or have a lot of dive knowledge. What is snorkelling? Snorkelling is swimming on the surface of the water while looking into the underwater world. There is very little equipment required for snorkelling. In Ireland normally you would require a wet-suit, the thickness of which would depend on the time of year, typically a 5 - 7mm would do. A (dive) mask that will allow the underwater world to be seen clearly. A snorkel (a U-shaped breathing tube) which will allow the user to breathe fresh air while their face is submerged in water and usually fins for movement with less effort and more control. For more advanced snorkellers who have had the appropriate instruction they may also use a weighting system to submerge at shallow depths. Where to snorkel? Ireland, being an island nation is surrounded by water filled with abundant sea life and underwater sights. All around the coast spots can be found for shore entry snorkels where coral, diverse sea life and more can be seen simply from the water’s surface. We will list and give directions to as many of these spots as we can. Water Safety

Snorkelling is a very enjoyable sport for all, but some basic precautions should be taken. We do not offer courses or advice on snorkelling safety; more information is below. It is important when entering the water for snorkelling or related activities, particularly in an unfamiliar area, that you enquire about any potential hazards. We would suggest that you would do this in at least one of two ways:

1) If a lifeguard is on duty speak to them prior to entering the water. They will discuss some of the hazards that are potentially in the area, tide times, currents, etc. If you are unsure contact Irish Water Safety.

2) Contact the local dive / swimming club and enquire about guiding services. They may require a level of qualification in some cases. See below some useful contact links for professional organisations in Ireland who could assist or direct you. Snorkelling Training

CFT – Governing body for scuba diving in Ireland. This link is specific to their section on snorkelling. For more specific information on clubs drop the CFT a line. Link: https://diving.ie/snorkle-diving/snorkelling-in-ireland-2/

PADI – Internationally recognised body. This link is specific to their section on snorkelling courses. Link: https://www.padi.com/courses/skin-diver

Water Safety
Link: https://watersafety.ie/

21/08/2024

Important notice from Kilkee SubAqua Club

**Subject: Postponement of National Snorkel Rally Due to Weather Conditions**

Unfortunately, due to unfavorable weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the National Snorkel Rally scheduled for this weekend in Kilkee, Co. Clare.

The safety of all participants is our top priority, and the current forecast would not allow us to provide the safe and enjoyable experience we had planned. We are in the process of selecting a new date for the event and will be in contact with you as soon as it is confirmed.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support. Please keep an eye on your email and our social media channels for further updates.

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to Kilkee for the Snorkel Rally in the near future.

Best regards,

Kilkee Sub Aqua Club

Photos from Atlantic Scuba Adventures's post

10/07/2024

If you are in the Coral Strand area of Connemara give Atlantic Scuba Adventures a call. There are some great shore dives in the area you might want to visit.

11/05/2024

Great opportunity for anyone looking to develop in the area of content creation and social media.

Join our dynamic team at Atlantic Scuba Adventures for an exciting summer internship in social media and content creation! 👩‍💻

We're seeking a creative and passionate intern to bring our underwater world to life across various platforms🦀

This internship offers the unique opportunity to engage in diverse content creation activities, including blog writing, video editing, and TikTok/reel curation.

As an intern, you will:
🌊 Develop and curate engaging content for our social media profiles, including creating eye-catching videos.
🌊 Write compelling blog posts that highlight our scuba adventures, conservation efforts, and the marine life we encounter.
🌊 Produce innovative TikToks/reels to engage with a younger audience and expand our reach.
🌊 Collaborate with our team to brainstorm new ideas and strategies to enhance our digital presence.

This internship is particularly well-suited to secondary or third-level students looking for a productive and educational summer program.

Ideal candidates should have a keen eye for visual storytelling, a flair for writing, and a genuine interest in marine exploration.

This internship will not only allow you to develop your skills in a professional setting but also provide you with the opportunity to contribute to exciting and meaningful projects that promote ocean awareness and scuba diving adventures.

Join us to dive into your career while making a splash in digital media! To apply, email your CV and a cover letter of why you are the right candidate for the role to [email protected]

07/04/2024

Congratulations to on a brilliant again this year. Great show. .scuba.adventures and many more... tag later too many for one post.

07/02/2024

Sad news today from Kerry today. Sincere condolences to Ronnie's wife Pat, daughter Sandra and to the extended Fitzgibbon family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our wonderful father, mentor, and teacher passed away this morning after a long fought illness. He was a man before his time. He was 61 years diving and built Waterworld into the dive centre it is today. Ronnie was a former president of the Irish underwater council and was on the technical commission for many years. He wrote the original training system for the Irish underwater council, which was later adopted by CMAS. He wrote two books, one on snorkelling and the other on Fungie the Di**le dolphin. He dived all over the world, but the Maharees islands were always home for him. In 1990, Ronnie became a PADI Instructor, and with their help, Ronnie built Waterworld into the biggest dive centre in Ireland, with many firsts with that. First National Geographic Dive Center in Ireland, first 5 star gold palm IDC and lately PADI Career Development Centre. Which Ronnie was so proud of. But the biggest legacy Ronnie left was the people whose lives he touched, and he would love to tell anyone who listened about the exotic place's he had instructors working all over the world. But Ireland was his favourite place and used to say "west coast of Ireland diving is world-class diving on a good day."
Ronnie, may you rest in peace and love.

Award-winning short film to be shown in Letterkenny this week - Donegal News

06/02/2024

"AN award-winning short film that explores the waters from North Donegal to Sligo through the eyes of its coastal communities will be shown at a special screening in Letterkenny on Wednesday."

Award-winning short film to be shown in Letterkenny this week - Donegal News AN award-winning short film that explores the waters from North Donegal to Sligo through the eyes of its coastal communities will be shown at a special screening in Letterkenny on Wednesday. ‘Fair Seas: The Atlantic Northwest’ is a 14-minute film featuring the views, stories and insights of loca...

14/01/2024

14/01/2024

Upcoming Try a Dive

Are you thinking about trying something new? Our Club will be running a Try-A-Dive session in Ballina swimming pool on the 22nd of January 2024 @8.30pm. Come along and experience what it's like to scuba dive 🤿

Sign up here directly - https://forms.gle/64LPJcGgVFJqcdpC9

For full details - https://www.grainneuailesac.ie/events/try-a-dive

Early booking is essential as spaces are limited.
We hope to see you there.

01/01/2024

Sea change for Junior Cert pupils as ocean film is added to studies Documentary maker Ken O’Sullivan has helped introduce some fascinating topics to the Junior Cert cycle, including how powerful bluefin tuna use dolphins as herders to smash into fish shoals and the migratory routes of whales off the Irish west coast.

24/12/2023

Status yellow warning issued for entire country, as Met Éireann gives early alert to Christmas swimmers over ‘dangerous sea conditions’.

Status yellow warning issued for entire country, as Met Éireann gives early alert to Christmas swimmers over ‘dangerous sea conditions’ Christmas Day sea swimmers are being advised to take precaution when out in the water for their morning dip due to “potentially dangerous sea conditions” along the Atlantic coast.

19/12/2023

Anyone got one

Day 12: Last day of 12 Days of Sligo Walks. What’s your favourite beach walk in Sligo? Just answer, then LIKE and SHARE the post to be in with a chance to win a 2 night stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo!

10/10/2023

2024 dive expo promises to be another great event. Book your tickets now on the link below.

Tickets are up on Eventbrite link here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dive-and-watersports-expo-2024-tickets-729740893657?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
Special Earlybird offer of 10% off all tickets until 12 noon on 22nd Oct. no codes needed discount given on the site. So if you are a regular at the show grab your tickets now and tell you club, group, family and friends to get their discount while it’s there. When it’s gone it’s gone!
Supported by Diving Ireland

07/10/2023

Buying a winter suit? Take a look at some advice from Atlantic Scuba Adventures about what type of suit to buy.

Wetsuit Benefits: Stay Warm!

1. 🌊 Temperature Control: Wetsuits keep you warm in chilly waters by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin. This insulation helps you maintain body heat.

2. 🏊‍♀️ Buoyancy Boost: Wetsuits provide buoyancy, making it easier to stay afloat and reducing fatigue while swimming or snorkeling.

3. 🌞 Sun Protection: They offer UV protection, shielding your skin from harmful sun rays during long hours in the water.

4. 🧜‍♂️ Enhanced Mobility: Wetsuits are designed for flexibility, allowing you to move freely and comfortably, whether you're surfing, snorkeling, or doing water sports.

5. ❄️ Slower Heat Loss: Without a wetsuit, you can lose body heat 25 times faster in cold water. Wearing one helps you stay in the water longer and enjoy your aquatic adventures to the fullest.

30/08/2023

Why servicing is so important!! It's not always about what you can see, sometimes it's what you can't.

Photos from Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search & Recovery Unit's post

12/08/2023

Great turn out at the at Kilcummin pier Co. Mayo.

09/08/2023

💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛
After much request, we have decided to run a try snorkeling day tomorrow at the little beach in Kilmore Quay, Wexford with our own resident Wexford mermaid Kirsty🧜‍♀️

This activity is suitable for those 6+ to come and find out what kind of cool creatures chill out below the waves🦀

We will be starting our public sessions at 10am with multiple sessions throughout the day. Booking highly recommended as places are limited but walk-ins will also be accommodated where possible.🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️

We will provide all the snorkeling kit you need but feel welcome to bring your wetsuit (if you have one) for a cozy fit🪸

To book a space on a slot WhatsApp text Kirsty at 0858824797 we can't wait to see you there🙌

It's also Lifeboat Day tomorrow in Kilmore so make sure to stop by and visit the station for some cool events they have planned! 😍

07/08/2023

The countdown has begun. Less than seven days until Kilcummin, Co. Mayo once again becomes a hive of activity for the diving community.

This is a historic year. 2023 marks Ballina's 300 years since its formal establishment - and 225th anniversary of the landing of French troops led by General Humbert in County Mayo on August 22, 1798.

Starting on Friday, divers from all across the country and beyond will make Mayo coastline their home for the weekend. During the day, many dive sites along the wild Atlantic coast will be available to explore, the shores, cliff shelves, swimthroughs and more.

As the sun sets, entertainment both nights, including live music by Stewy and the Vegans. Hot food options available throughout the day and camping available.

If you plan on coming, we'd appreciate you taking a minute to fill in this form - https://forms.gle/CDNKZArZEQupX2D68

For full event information see - https://www.grainneuailesac.ie/events/dive-rally/international-dive-rally-2023

Scuba Diving Adventures

.ie Mayo Now Mayo County Council Killala Live Events Ambassade de France en Irlande In Humbert's Footsteps

05/08/2023

The national dive show for 2024 has a new home. Check out the post below.

This years Dive and Water-sports Show was amazing. That was the feedback we got. 👍🏻👍🏻 We were fully booked out and the weekend was a great success. 2024 will be Ireland’s biggest and best Dive Expo Ever!!!!! We are pleased to announce that we are moving to National Sports Arena (beside NAC in Dublin) to host 2024 Dive Ireland Expo on April 6th and 7th. Save the Date and watch this space.

19/07/2023

**original post by Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search & Recovery Unit**

In case you missed the second episode of "Mealladh na Mara", lure of the sea, that aired last night, you can re-watch it on RTÉ Player.

https://www.rte.ie/player/series/mealladh-na-mara/10001574-00-0000?epguid=IH10001573-23-0002

The series follows the relationship that three very different people have had with the sea since childhood. In this weeks' episode, see if you can spot some familiar face and locations.

In case you missed the second episode of "Mealladh na Mara", lure of the sea, that aired last night, you can re-watch it on RTÉ Player.

https://www.rte.ie/player/series/mealladh-na-mara/10001574-00-0000?epguid=IH10001573-23-0002

The series follows the relationship that three very different people have had with the sea since childhood. In this weeks' episode, see if you can spot some familiar face and locations.

Diving Ireland Snorkelling Ireland
Mayo North Tourism, Ireland Mayo.ie Midwest Radio

05/07/2023

Save the date!!!

SAVE THE DATE:

Grainne Uaile International Dive Rally
Friday 11th- Sun 13th August 2023

We're hoping to see Clubs not only across Ireland but also abroad, come explore what our amazing coastline has to offer here in Mayo. We really look forward to meeting divers from Ireland and beyond, welcoming all to our local dive community.

For more information: https://www.grainneuailesac.ie/events/dive-rally/international-dive-rally-2023

Diving Ireland Dive Ireland Expo Snorkelling Ireland Ballina 2023
Mayo North Tourism, Ireland, Mayo Sports Partnership
Suas Drones Ballina Community Radio BCRFM Western People

28/06/2023

26/06/2023

(From the last post) is on at Kilcummin Pier Co. Mayo with Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club and Search & Recovery Unit see you all there.

26/06/2023

Yes, this is Ireland. Check out this epic post by Kiwi Girl of the Sealife spotted off the coast at Mullaghmore, Sligo. Her amazing pictures speak for themselves :-)

23/06/2023

Snorkeling is a great activity to try during the summer, especially if you're interested in exploring the underwater world!

As part of the Clare Outdoor Recreation EXPO, are inviting participants to come and try snorkling for FREE at Kilkee beach!

Observe life beneath the water's surface through this fantastic opportunity!

Be sure to book your place early to avoid disappointment!

Expressions of interest to:
[email protected]

13/06/2023

We have been told that this "Jellyfish" is actually a Ctenophore (Greek for "comb-bearers") that light-like features fused along the sides of the animal. Has anyone any more information on this type of creature? Name, species... etc. Filmed on Trá an Dóilín (Coral Strand), Co. , while with Atlantic Scuba Adventures.