Official home of the Shannonside
Sub Aqua Club®

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling since 1976

Banagher, Co. Offaly, Ireland

Diving in Banagher

Founded in 1976, Shannonside Sub Aqua Club is a community organisation that promotes the sport of scuba diving, and snorkelling in the heart of Ireland. Based in Banagher, Co. Offaly on the banks of the River Shannon, Shannonside SAC is a long-standing affiliate member of Diving Ireland (Comhairle Fó-Thuinn - CFT, formerly the Irish Underwater Council). Our diving members are trained and certified to a CMAS International Diver Training Standard.

Scuba for everyone

Our club actively dives, and engages with the diving community, sharing our knowledge, and experience with divers, and non-divers of all ages. Our members meet regularly to train, and to explore the depths of the River Shannon, and other bodies of water both in and around Ireland, and far abroad. We always have fun, and we’ve discovered ancient treasures on occasion too!

Working with the community

As an active club, Shannonside SAC regularly runs a snorkelling school from our waterside clubhouse, where our members teach and supervise young divers. Our experienced scuba divers also work with An Garda Síochana, and the Irish Coast Guard on occasion to offer assistance in search and recovery.

Get involved!

We’re always keen to engage new people and get involved with the community. If you’re interested in learning more about our club or just want to say hi, you can email us or find us through social media. All our contact details are below.

Shannonside SAC is
affiliated with:

Diving Ireland

Diving Ireland
(Comhairle Fó-Thuinn)

Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques

Confédération Mondiale des
Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS)

The Irish Coast Guard

The Irish Coast Guard

An Garda Síochana

An Garda Síochana

2024/25 Committee

Chairman

John Heffernane

Secretary

Eamonn O'Toole

Treasurer

Colin Mealiffe

Diving Officer

Eddie O'Donnell

Training Officer

Barry Loughnane

Equipment Officer

Michael O'Rourke

Safety Officer

Fergal Clarke

Snorkelling Officer

John Mahon

Your Questions

  • How do I become an SSAC member?

    That's great that you're interested in joining our diving club! Simply get in touch with us through email or through one of our social media channels, and we'd be glad to walk you through what's involved. We organise regular scuba diver training each year, where we'll start you off with a try-a-dive session in our local swimming pool. We want to make sure you're comfortable with the sport, and for you to get a feel for what to expect - before diving in too deep!

  • How long does it take to to become an SSAC scuba diver?

    We organise regular scuba diver training each year. You'll need to be competent swimmer, and once you pass a try-a-dive session (to ensure you're comfortable with the sport), you are then ready to be considered as a member. We'll work closely with you throughout a confined water training for 7-10 weeks in our local swimming pool, with open water training to follow (usually in the River Shannon). We're affiliated with Diving Ireland, and CMAS, and all our training standards follow the CMAS international diver training standards and procedures.

  • How much does it cost to be an SSAC member?

    Your annual membership costs approximately €220, which includes our club membership, CMAS membership, and dive accident insurance cover. We'll provide you with diving equipment during your confined water training in our local swimming pool, but you'll be required to purchase your own diving gear for open water training. Scuba diving equipment can vary in price (either new or second hand), and we can help you with knowledge and advice to point you in the right direction.

  • How regularly does SSAC organise diving trips?

    We're an active club, and we dive most weekends, and often mid-week during the summer months. Always weather permitting of course! Our clubhouse is next to the River Shannon in Banagher, and we often dive there to teach, train, and to have a lot of fun! We often travel around Ireland, and plan diving holidays abroad each year too!

  • Can I do some snorkelling with SSAC?

    Absolutely! The path for snorkelling members is a similar process to scuba divers (without the try-a-dive session). Membership costs are €70 per year (€50 discounted price for junior divers), and you'll need to purchase your own snorkelling equipment (e.g. mask and fins) for open water training. If you're a keen snorkeller, get in touch, and we'll be able to give you more information.