ALISON

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Cork Harbour SPA

Why dive here

With 185+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALISON offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 9°C.

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 185+ species recorded

Water9°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 2m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The *Alison* is a proper piece of history, and we love diving it. This steamship, which went down back in 1928, sits in a remarkably shallow two metres of water, making it perfect for an extended rummage. You really feel the age of the ship as you explore its remains; the hull, nearly 40 metres long, is still largely intact, giving you a good sense of its original form. We’ve spent hours here just poking around the different sections, imagining life aboard. The exposed nature of the wreck, so close to the surface, means light penetrates everywhere, even on a cloudy day, illuminating the brassy hues of kelp swaying over the metalwork. It’s not just a historical curiosity either. The *Alison* has become an artificial reef, with wrasse darting between the plates and crabs scuttling in the shadows. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, ideal for photographers or anyone keen to spend time really getting to know a wreck without any depth constraints. We’d suggest going at high slack tide for the best visibility and a completely current-free experience.

Typical ALISON Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 9°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today04:3318:4014h 8m daylightGolden hour 17:55

ALISON Wreck History

Year Sunk

1928

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

155 GRT

The SS Alison was a veteran of the seas, built in 1892 and serving under two previous names, Efterpe and Australia, before her final voyage. This small coastal steamship had a long and productive life, but it came to an abrupt end in October 1928 when she ran aground in bad weather on the unforgiving South Coast of Ireland. The sea and storms did the rest, breaking the vessel apart where she lay.

Resting in just 2 meters of water, the Alison is less of a scuba dive and more of a snorkeling adventure or a very shallow shore dive. Decades of relentless wave action have scattered the wreck, but its key features remain for the observant explorer. The most prominent feature is the ship's boiler, which stands proud of the seabed. Surrounding it, you can find plates from the hull, parts of the 60hp compound engine, and other metallic bones of this historic steamship, all now encrusted with kelp and home to crabs and small fish. It's a fantastic and accessible way to touch a piece of maritime history.