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Wicklow Head

Wicklow Head is located 1½ miles South of Wicklow Harbour. It can be easily identified by it's three light-houses. The headland itself is home for many species of birds including gulls, gannets and puffins, and also boasts a large seal colony. The Head is approximately 400m long and is 80m at it's highest point. For it's entire length the Head presents a sheer cliff face to the sea, making a boat dive the only possibility.

Boats may be launched in Wicklow Harbour where there are two slips, on the North and on the East side of the Harbour. The North side is probably the most useful because a launch can be made at any stage of the tide. On the East side the slip is difficult to use at low tide and can be very congested on Sundays. Do not leave trailers or cars close to the slip.
On leaving the Harbour keep well clear of "Black Castle", because of the rock plateau close to the surface, and steer for Brides Head, which is the first headland which can be seen. Keep at least 50m off Brides Head while rounding it. Wicklow Head is the next point, with its distinctive lighthouses. Also keep a good watch for marker buoys on fishing nets and lobster pots. there is a five knot speed limit within the Harbour.

When diving Wicklow Head the most important factor to be considered is the tide. Locally it can reach speeds of 6 knots, on spring and ebb tides. this combined with the wind can generate quite rough sea conditions. the cardinal rule when diving in this area is: "Always dive in the lee of the tide". If the tide is running South, dive on the South side etc.. The coxswain must be vigilant at all times because of the danger of someone getting swept away. SMB's should be used here.

Captain's Planet
This area is not actually part of the Head, but does warrant a mention. A dive is possible here on any tidal state. the maximum depth is 12m.

Descending close to the rock it is quite shallow, with a lot of gullies which make for an interesting dive. there are normally a number of seals around which keep a cautious distance. The rock formations give way, at 10m, to a flat sandy bottom. numerous fish are to be found including wrasse, dog, pollack and flat fish, with the usual assortment of crabs, lobsters and other shellfish. Diving here is interesting and very safe, ideal for the novice.

The Pond
A dive here before mid-day can be as spectacular as a west coast dive. The high cliffs around the site are home for many nesting birds, which makes an interesting day out for the non-diver. a cave which runs through the rock for 15m normally has a few seals in residence. Remember if entering a cave, never block the exit, always swim close to the wall, and in single file.

Enter the water close to the"Landing steps" and head out to sea along the reef. The kelp bed ends at 10m and the bottom continues for 15m. Alternatively, go through the cave and return back into the pond by rounding the point. there is an abundance of fish and fauna. The Pond is noted for the number of shellfish which can be seen.

Never dive this site when the tide is running South because the cave acts as a funnel with everything being sucked in and spat out the other side with quite spectacular results. When dived in the right condition it is highly recommended.

Gull Rock
Known as the "Gull Rock" because of the number of nesting gulls. The maximum depth is 10m. It opens into a sheltered bay area with a flat sandy bottom, a good area for a first dive. The further out to sea, the greater the effect of the tidal current. Normally a lot of Dogfish and Sand Dabs. This is also a good area for snorkel diving.

Carraigwee
Named "Carraigwee" because of the lichens which give the rocks a yellow colour, this is the deepest point at the Head, with 20m at high tide. Descend at the rock face and proceed along the bottom keeping the reef on your left hand side. Underwater, the reef heads almost due South, the further out the greater the tidal effect.

This is a very good dive with the reef being home for many creatures including large conger eels. It is again important to note the diving in Carraigwee should only be undertaken when the tide is running South.

One possibility which is not discussed above is a drift dive around the Head. This should only be attempted 2 hours either side of slack water and when conditions are ideal. It is also not suitable for novice divers. SMB's will be invaluable help to the coxswain. The drift dive can be an exhilarating experience and requires little effort. The bottom rises and falls as you're being swept along, with each glance revealing something new. The bottom has been swept clear of weed but does have an array of shellfish including mussels, whelk and winkles.
If planning a dive in the area contact Wicklow Sub-Aqua Club.