The “Shamrock” lies north of Carrickdorish Rock and under the fresh water stream. The wreck position can be identified by the steps cut into the rock face. It is in a depth of 12–16m and there are no currents as it is protected by Freshwater Bay. The “Shamrock” sank in 1916 loaded with phosphorous and high explosive shells most of which were salvaged, hence the reason for steps. However, not all shells were recovered and wedge shaped pieces of phosphorous may still be found. If you do find any, leave them in the water as it can spontaneously combust when exposed to air and cause very unpleasant burns.

Northeast from the Stratheay around Harp Ear is another wreck, sunk in the 1920s. Again this ship is in 14 to 18m which makes good diving with little current.

A reef runs between the harbour and Tailor’s Rocks about 300m from the shore line. A relatively shallow dive but with plenty of fish life and colour. There is a tidal current which runs north/south, it is advisable to dive at slack water.

The “Stratheay”, a 1900 steam ship, which is in 18m of water and exposed to the full flow of the ebb tide so that it can only be dived on a flooding tide or slack water.

South of the Nose of Lambay in the first bay below the falling rocks, about 40m out, is the “Tayleur”. Wrecked in 1854 with a loss of over 400 lives she was a three decked, three masted sailing ship. One of the first iron vessels she was wrecked on her way to Australia, it is said, because of compass error. Lying in 15–18m, protected by the bay and with little tidal movement it can get silted up very quickly.
The “Tayleur” is a protected wreck, being over one hundred years old, and a licence must be obtained from the Office of Public Works, National Monuments Branch, 51 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, before diving on her.

On the south side of the island Bishop’s Bay with its stony beach is ideal for an introductory or trainee dive. The bottom, which gradually slopes to 16m, consists of large rock formations with patches of sand. There is an abundance of sea life. The bay is free from current providing that you keep away from the exposed points of land.