ALONDRA - South Coast

The Alondra is a proper South Coast Ireland wreck dive, and we rate it highly for a mid-depth exploration. She was a steamship, sunk in 1916, and the years underwater have given her a real character. You’ll find her sitting upright at 15 metres, pretty much intact, which is always a bonus. We love how the two huge boilers dominate the midships, often swarming with pollack and shoals of juvenile coley – the light playing off their scales as they dart in and out is genuinely mesmerising. The stern is our favourite part, with the propeller still clearly visible, usually covered in anemones and dead man’s fingers. You can poke around the superstructure, though penetration is definitely for experienced wreck divers only. For everyone else, just circling the Alondra, taking in the scale and the way she’s become a home for conger eels and lobster, is fantastic. Visibility here can be variable, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best experience. It's a dive that rewards slow, deliberate exploration.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.460640, -9.346334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - ALONDRA

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The SS Alondra was a steamship built in 1899, operated by the Yeoward Brothers' shipping line out of Liverpool. For years she plied the trade routes, a workhorse of the British merchant fleet. Her career came to a tragic and abrupt end during the height of World War I, not from enemy action, but from the raw power of the sea itself.

On December 29, 1916, while battling the fierce winter seas of the North Atlantic, the Alondra was driven aground on the treacherous Kedge Rock, near Baltimore in County Cork. The ship was battered by the waves and broke apart, leading to the loss of seventeen crew members in the icy water. In a testament to the bravery of the local community and surviving crew, twenty-three men were rescued from the disaster.

Lying in just 15 meters of water, the remains of the Alondra are now a fascinating and accessible dive site. The shallow depth and the violence of its sinking mean the wreck is extensively broken up, scattered across the seabed. Divers can easily identify the ship's massive boilers and the triple-expansion engine, which stand proud of the wreckage. Exploring the scattered plates and machinery offers a poignant reminder of the 1916 tragedy and provides a superb habitat for the vibrant marine life of Ireland's south coast.

Marine Protected Area: Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs SAC

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ALONDRA

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALONDRA

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Alondra wreck in Ireland?
The Alondra wreck, located off the South Coast of Ireland, has a typical depth of 15 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Alondra dive site?
Divers exploring the Alondra wreck can expect to see the remains of a 91.1m x 11.6m steam ship vessel, built in 1899 and sunk in 1916. Notable features include its two boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is the Alondra wreck dive, and what skill level is recommended for it?
The Alondra wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," which implies that divers should approach it with caution and appropriate training.
What are the best months and tidal conditions to dive the Alondra wreck in Ireland?
The provided data does not specify the best months or tidal conditions for diving the Alondra wreck. For optimal planning, it is always recommended to consult local dive operators or refer to our When to Dive section for general guidance on diving in Ireland.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving the Alondra wreck?
Given the Alondra wreck's intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Additionally, due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to ensure safety and enhance the diving experience.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures at the Alondra dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperatures for the Alondra dive site. For up-to-date conditions, it is best to consult with local dive centers in Ireland's South Coast before planning your dive.