Donegal Coast · Ireland · Pinnacle · Wall
Lime Burner Rock
A pinnacle cut by large gullies, from 4 m below the surface down to 40 m
A rock pinnacle roughly due north of Melmore Head that rises to 4 m from a base at 40 m. Its sides are cut by large gullies and deep drop-offs, and the rock holds a lot of marine life. The water over it is usually very clear, but the dive needs very calm weather.
Also known as Limeburner Rock.
Where it is and how deep
55.3000° N, 7.8018° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Lime Burner Rock is a pinnacle that tops out at 4 m and drops to 40 m. Its walls are broken by large gullies and deep drop-offs, with prolific marine life on the rock: crayfish, lobsters and sunfish. The water is usually very clear, and the site is not tidal.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
Season follows Donegal Coast: Diving runs all year with no marked peak; winter seas can stop the Tory Island ferry on some days.
Know before you go
- The rock needs very calm weather to dive, and there can be a strong swell over it.
Sources
- Dive Sites - Mevagh Diving, Donegal — Mevagh Diving
- Sheephaven & Mulroy dive guide — Dublin University Sub-Aqua Club
More dive sites in Donegal Coast
Two cannons from an 1884 Royal Navy gunboat still lie on the seabed
A chimney cave at the tip of the headland makes a swim-through
A cavern off the north corner of Arranmore, near Tor rock
A huge boulder at the cavern mouth opens into a room of swim-throughs
Similar dives elsewhere
Sheer rock stacks, crevices and caves on a far island of the bay
Rock pinnacles walled in jewel anemones, dived on slack water
Pinnacles that widen underwater into a stepped wall of gullies and small caves
A plumose-covered pinnacle rising from deep water beside the navy wrecks