If you want to dive somewhere that exemplifies wild Atlantic diving, you won’t go far wrong by diving the Skelligs. These two rocks rise defiantly from the Atlantic swell 16 kilometres/10 miles southwest from the tip of County Kerry in Ireland.
Ancient monastic ruins perch atop the sheer pinnacles, and gannets by the thousands screech and plunge headfirst into the ocean in pursuit of the abundant schools of mackerel.
The drama continues underwater with sheer drop-offs extending well past recreational dive limits. The sheer walls are carpeted with stunningly bright-colored anemones and sponges. You’ll find great shoals of pollock and crustaceans of every shape and color in the crevices, and when conditions are right it’s a popular spot with basking sharks too.
Larger cities have rail systems, yet taxis are quite expensive. Renting a car or taking the train is the best way to explore the abundant countryside.