Scuba Diving in Ireland

Specialist Diving & Activity Holidays in Ireland

Diving Holidays - West Cork Style

Nothing can match the weightless exhilaration of breathing underwater & divers find it nearly addictive. Essence of Ireland invites you to experience the excitement, adventure, freedom and serenity of scuba diving in the sparkling clear waters of Ireland's Southwest. Whether a beginner or an advanced diver, you're sure to enjoy this diving holiday of a lifetime.

The waters off West Cork provide some of the finest diving in the world. We are proud to offer two very special weeklong diving programmes based in Baltimore, a lively West Cork fishing village renowned for its distinctively Irish warmth and hospitality. Sheltered by Carburys Hundred Isles, Cape Clear and the Sherkin Islands, Baltimore's crystal waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream and provide a spectacular underwater terrain littered with wrecks and colourful marine life. Great visibility, unpolluted waters, an abundance of underwater life, and awe-inspiring surroundings both under and above water combine to make this area the ideal location for the perfect diving holiday.

We offer these extraordinary holidays in conjunction with the Baltimore Dive Centre. Established in 1993 by owner John Kearney, it is widely regarded as the finest dive centre in Ireland. During Beginner's Week, the centre's enthusiastic professional instructors will provide both classroom and hands-on lessons, leading to world-recognised certification by midweek. Advanced Open Water Week offers more experienced divers the opportunity to explore the area's ocean-sculpted rock formations and numerous impressive wrecks.

Beginners Week

Advanced Open Water Week

Saturday

• Check in to chosen accommodation
• Optional evening dive

Sunday

• Morning dive: Nestorian, depth 16-28 metres
• Lunch on Cape Clear Island
• Afternoon: Drift dive, depth 15-20 metres

Monday

• Morning dive: Kowloon Bridge, depth 6-36 metres
• Afternoon dive: Alonda wreck, depth 6-22 metres

Tuesday

• Morning dive: Fasnet rock, depth 10-40 metres
• Lunch in Schull
• Afternoon dive: scenic wreck dive Stephan Whitley, depth 14-24 metres

Wednesday

• Morning dive: U260, depth 39-45 metres
• Lunch Union Hall
• Afternoon dive: Dive among the seals at Stags Rocks, depth 12-22 metres

Thursday

• Morning dive: Gascanane Sound, depth 12-45 metres
• Lunch in Baltimore
• Afternoon dive: Illyrian wreck, depth 12-25 metres

Friday

• Choice of returning to previous sites or new sites

Night dives arranged on request

Accommodation Choices

Baltimore Harbour Hotel

Set on an idyllic seaside spot overlooking the harbour and islands of Roaring Water Bay, the Baltimore Harbour Hotel provides high levels of comfort and service and boasts an excellent swimming pool and fully equipped leisure center.

Baltimore Dive Centre Accommodation

The Dive Centre offers comfortable, well-appointed apartments and private en suite rooms.

Dates 2010

Diving season - May to October.

Enquiries welcome from groups of between 6 and 20.

Costings: May- October

Baltimore Dive Centre

Private Rooms, en suite with kitchen facilities

Beginner's Week €970 per person (sharing)
€90 single room supplement

Advanced Week €895 per person (sharing)
€90 single room supplement

2 Bedroomed Apartment , twin and double bedroom, living area, kitchen and private facilities (Based on 3 or 4 sharing)

Beginners Week €980 per person
€120 per person supplement for 2 Sharing

Advanced Week €895 per person
€120 per person supplement for 2 Sharing


Price Includes:

• 7 nights accommodation on a self catering basis
• All equipment, Tuition, Manuals, Logbook and Certification
• Services of Essence of Ireland Representative

Baltimore Harbour Hotel

Beginners Week €1230 per person (based on 2 sharing)

Advanced Week €1150 per person (based on 2 sharing)

€280 Single room supplement

Price Includes:

• Seven nights accommodation
• Breakfast and Evening Meal
• All equipment, Tuition, Manuals, Logbook and Certification
• Services of Essence of Ireland Representative

Reduction will apply for people with their own dive equipment.