New Quay is
a
little harbour village in North Clare. It is located by a narrow strait
which fills and empties Aughinish Bay. As the strait is narrow
and shallow, the current is very strong except for slack water. Hence
this dive should only be done exactly at slack water. Tide tables for
Galway Docks can be used in conjunction with a careful eye. Maximum
depth here is 10M at high tide. There are some shallow reefs
(6ft/7ft) in about 8 metres on the southern side of the strait
which are home to an abundance of life. The sea-bed is a carpet of
crabs, anenomes and urchins etc. The reefs themselves are home to
lobster, brown crabs and many others. This is a sheltered site and can
be dived in almost any conditions.
Directions:
The Galway Club usually do this
dive from the Galway side (Aughinish
Island), as parking etc., is better. From Kinvarra, Co. Galway,
take the road for Ballyvaughan (south) and turn right after approx. 2
miles. There is a signpost pointing to Doorus Hostel. After about 1.5
miles, turn left just before the pub (Fahy's Travellers Inn) beside the
thatched cottage . Follow this road for a few miles, and cross the
causeway. When you reach the 'T' junction, turn left. This will bring
you to the dive site.