Maiden Rock

Maiden Rock offers shallow diving with substratum of scattered boulders and silt. Nonetheless the area thnds to turn up species such as pipefish and octopus. It is effected by the strong currents which are channelled through Dalkey Sound and is best dived at slack water.

In addition it is suitable as a site for trainee divers.

Maiden Rock received it's name from an eighth century story which tells of a group of twelve young maidens from the locality who were caught on the island by a terrible storm while collect duilisk. All twelve perished.

Maiden Rock Wreck

At the north western tip of Maiden rock a good sized boiler and other fragments of a wreck are present.

The wreck is nested close to the shore and sits on scattered rocks in about 8m sorrounded by small clumps of kelp. THe boiler is upright and it is possible to peer inside through an opening on the western side. There can be lobster present inside the boiler.

Coliemore Park Dive

This site is the only dive location close to the islands where access by boat is not required. Coliemore Park is located 50m south of Coliemore Harbour proceeding south from Dalkey Village.

It is necessary to kit up by the roadside and clamber over the rocks which involves a tricky entry to the water. Care is required on the clippery seaweed exposed at low tide. The site should only be dived exactly on slack water. There is a lot of fishing line on the dive so a scissors and knife are essential.

This dive constantly surprises me with the variance of marine life available. Dogfish are plentiful and congers are present in about 10m. There are very small boulders and scattered rock octopus here with max depth of 12m.
Proceed against the current on entry which will give the advantage of returning on a gentle drift. It is often necessary at the latter part of the dive to take a look above the surface to get a bearing of where you are.

Anchors on the Muglins

At the south eastern tip of the Muglins a number of large anchors are nesteled at the base of a small ledge. The origin of these anchors is unknown.

However in 1873 a study was commissioned on the danger which the Muglins posed to shipping. It was reported that 12 ships had foundered on the unlit rock. It is unclear when these ships had foundered. Following this study a light was installed on the rock.

The anchors can be difficult to see as they are encrusted with life. They are about six feet lenght and there are 3-4 lying together.