Rathlin Island DiveTrip
June 15, 2024 – June 21, 2024
Rathlin Island Dive Trip
Rathlin Ilsand is an L-shaped island off the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland.
It is in the Atlantic ocean just at the entrance to the Irish Sea and is a special area of conservation. It has many wrecks to dive and the north wall is known for the variety of sponges.
Some examples of the wrecks
HMS DRAKE - The 14100 ton heavy cruiser was torpedoed by U-79 on 2nd October 1917. Lying in 18 metres of water in Church Bay, Rathlin Island.
ELLA HEWITT - Large trawler sunk on west side of HMS Drake.
TEMPLEMORE - Sank in Ballycastle Bay on 6th December 1911 in heavy weather. Lying in 18 metres of water, well broken up. This wreck is inhabited by loads of tame conger eels around boiler section, which may be hand fed by divers. Bow section full of fish life.
LOCHGARRY - Government transport formerly of MacBrayne's Hebrides fleet struck rocks finally sinking off the east coast of Rathlin on 21st January 1942. Lying in 33 metres of water, upright and intact. Superb dive.
KNIGHTS GARETH & BOUNCER - Scattered wreckage of 2 vessels throughout this shallow sheltered site. Nice easy dive. Look out for the bronze propeller blades under huge boulder