Kilmore Quay is a fishing port on the Celtic Sea coast of Wexford with a small set of reef and kelp forest sites in relatively shallow water. Carne Pier and Forlorn Point are shore-entry sites suited to beginners, while Great Saltee Island, five kilometres offshore, offers kelp and rocky reef snorkelling but requires careful attention to currents and boat traffic. Kilmore Rock is a boat-accessed site lying at moderate depth. The species list is notable for its range: grey and harbour seals, conger eel, grey triggerfish, monkfish, lumpfish, and several shark species have all been recorded here. Water temperatures are among the milder on Ireland's coast, with the warmest readings arriving in late summer and early autumn.
Monthly water temperature across Kilmore Quay's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Kilmore Quay's Celtic Sea position means water temperatures are slightly milder than the Atlantic northwest, holding warmth into early autumn. Tidal currents can be strong, particularly around Great Saltee Island, and slack-water timing is advisable for the offshore sites.
1 operator
Water temperature around Kilmore Quay ranges from about 9°C in February to 16°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 16°C) a 7mm or semi-dry suit is comfortable in Kilmore Quay; in the coldest months (about 9°C) step up to a drysuit.
Fin maps 4 sites in Kilmore Quay (2 scuba diving sites and 2 snorkelling spots).
4 more sites to explore
