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The Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford

The Saltee Islands lie about 5km South of Kilmore Quay which is 23km from Wexford at the end of the L29. The islands are renowned for their bird life and it is a sanctuary. It also has a "King". As they are situated at the South Eastern corner of Ireland tidal currents affect diving in the area and it is only advisable to dive during slack water.
Kilmore Quay is a busy fishing port and holiday area with good all weather launching slips, toilet facilities and parking. Boats may be chartered, but the islands can be dived by an independent , well equipped and led group. two boats with radios are recommended as the bare minimum.

Makestone Rock
This dive site lies on the east end of the Great Saltee. It is a submerged rock which comes within a few metres of the surface. The general depth around it is 10-15m. It can be prone to a silt current. On each side of the rock there is a flat sandy bottom. the area is suitable for novices and makes a pleasant second dive.

S.S. Lennox

S.S. Lennox is a steamer lying in 10-18m at the back of the Great Saltee. the wreck lies parallel to the Collough Rocks with it's bow pointing out to sea. this site is suitable for novice divers but is prone to slight currents. It is also sheltered from a SW wind.

West End

This area is prone to strong currents but is worth a drift dive for the more qualified diver with good boat cover. the general depth is around 15-20m . It has a rocky, sandy bottom and a wide variety of fish life.

West Brandy

he rocks are covered in anenomes. The seaward side has a very dramatic drop off to a depth of 35m.
It is advisable to seek local knowledge on slack tide times due to strong currents in this area.

East Brandy

Lying to the East of West Brandy this is another good dive site, but again is prone to strong currents. the rock shape is not as sharp as the West's but it goes down to 33m. the wreck of the "Verfradio" lies at it's centre at a comfortable 20m.

Coningmor Rock

This is the larger of the 2 Coning rocks, it can be seen as it lies above water. the area is full of seals which can be observed underwater close to the rock. The general depth is around 20-30m with good fish life and rock formations. This is a slack water dive.

Coningbeg Rock

The rock is submerged at high water, but can clearly be seen when the sea breaks over it. Depths up to 45m can be obtained here. The large rock formations can also make for a good shallow dive. The remains of a lighthouse foundations may be seen around the bottom as well as parts of an unknown wreck. Like it's larger namesake the Coningbeg is prone to strong currents.