The annual club summer holiday was once again in Dingle, Co. Kerry this year. This was the fourth consecutive year we travelled to Dingle for the weeks diving holiday to dive the Blasket Islands & the other great dive sites that are on offer. We could not have ordered better weather, with slack winds & temperatures soaring into the high 20’s & low 30’s.
Cathedral Rocks on the north of Inish Na Bro
Sunday (Day 1) As always we started off by launching the Rib’s & diving out of Dingle harbour on the Sunday, with two dives on “Crow Rock” which is just outside the harbour & in the 20 – 25 meter depth range. On Monday we moved the boats to Ventry where we were based for the rest of the week. This left us in striking distance of the Blasket Islands with our two RIBS.
Monday (Day 2) We headed for the "Wild Banks" in the morning. This is a rock 7 miles from Ventry pier or 2.5 miles south west of Slea Head & goes from 18 to 35 meters. Our second dive in the afternoon was to Parkmore Point which is a short RIB journey from Ventry Harbour.
Tuesday (Day 3) Our first dive site was the spectacular "Cathedral Rocks" on the north tip of Inish Na Bro with its pinnacles & huge walls down to 40 meters. After having lunch at Dunquin & change of cylinders, we dived the world war one wreck of the ammunition ship "The Quebra". This is situated on the north west side of the Great Blasket island with plenty of large shell heads to be seen on the bottom.
Wednesday (Day 4) We returned to the “Wild Banks” & were back early to prepare for the Barbeque. This was organised & prepared by Dianne Coleman & Barry O’Sullivan in Dianne’s house which overlooks Ventry harbour. A special thanks to Barry for a splendid meal & Dianne for her hospitality.
Thursday (Day 5) This is the one we had been waiting for, “Fohish Rock” which are situated on the south east side of Inishvickillaun. Here we have shear drop offs to 50mt with walls covered in different coloured jewel anemones. After having lunch on the beach on the Great Blasket, we returned for our second dive on “Fohish Rock”
Friday (Day 6) This being our last days diving we headed back to “Cathedral Rock’s” & after having lunch back at Ventry the enthusiastic few headed for “Parkmore Point” for the last dive of the summer holidays.
22 divers from the club dived during the week with 172 dives completed over the six days. This included 54 dives by the 10 trainees that travelled & dived on various days.
Carmel Staunton & Noel Spillane enjoying the Barbeque
Our thanks to Rosemary Finn(DO), Dave Headon(DOD) Eamon Russell(DOD) for organising the days diving. John Dillon (EO) & Matt Donnelly(Ass EO) for looking after the equipment the all those who helped out by towing, pumping etc. & making the Summer holiday a very enjoyable weeks diving.
Hannah helps Barry with his beer at the Barbeque!
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