MAGPIE

Best months: Jul–Aug

Protected Area

Cliffs of Moher SPA

Why dive here

With 169+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and octopuses - MAGPIE offers some of West Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Aug

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Octopuses · 169+ species recorded

Water8-17°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Magpie wreck, sitting shallow at just 5 metres in Galway Bay, is a real favourite of ours for a relaxed dive. We love the feeling of history here, the bones of this Dapper-class gunboat from 1855, lost over 150 years ago, are surprisingly intact. You can trace the deck line, see where the engine block once sat, and even get a sense of its original shape. What really makes the Magpie special, though, is how completely it’s become part of the seabed. It's a low-lying wreck now, draped in kelp and alive with small crabs scuttling over the plates. Look closely into the nooks and crannies – we’ve often spotted blennies peeking out and sometimes a sleepy dogfish tucked away. It's not about big pelagics here, but the delicate detail of a thriving, established wreck. Because it’s so shallow, you get fantastic bottom time, making it great for newer divers or those who just want to take it slow and really absorb the site. Visibility can be hit or miss in the Bay, so pick a calm day with a rising tide if you can, and you'll get the best out of it. We think it’s a brilliant dive for photographers looking for intricate macro shots against a historical backdrop.