AMARYLLIS
Protected Area
Tramore Dunes and Backstrand SAC
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) - AMARYLLIS offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 9-15°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Amaryllis sits upright on the seabed at 45 metres, a proper deep dive that’s well worth the effort. We love this trawler, a proper snapshot of a working vessel caught in time. She’s only 16 metres long, so you can really get a sense of the whole ship in one dive, especially on a good visibility day. Our favourite part is dropping down through the gloom to see her mast rise to meet you, a ghostly finger pointing skyward. The trawler capsized and sank back in 1992 after getting her gear snagged, and you can still see the trawl doors lying out to port. The wreck is slowly becoming part of the reef, draped in dead man’s fingers and home to plump conger eels poking out from every dark corner. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of squat lobsters tucked into crevices. If you’re lucky, you might spot a ling darting into the shadows. We’d suggest hitting this one on a slack tide to really appreciate her, as the currents here can be a bit of a push. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy the quiet challenge of deeper wrecks.
Typical AMARYLLIS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 45m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AMARYLLIS Wreck History
Year Sunk
1992
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding
The Amaryllis was an Irish trawler that met a dramatic end in May 1992. While fishing approximately 10 miles east of Helvick Head, the vessel's gear snagged hard on the seabed, likely on rocks or another submerged object. The immense force caused the trawler to heel over, capsize, and begin its slow descent to the bottom. It took a full hour for the ship to sink, giving the crew enough time to abandon ship and be rescued from their liferaft.
Today, the Amaryllis rests at a depth of 45 meters in the Celtic Sea, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a challenging dive for experienced, properly certified divers prepared for the depth and potential currents of the Irish coast. Those who make the descent will find a relatively modern fishing vessel, a solemn memorial to the perils of the sea, now being slowly reclaimed by marine life.
Reviews for AMARYLLIS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMARYLLIS
AMARYLLIS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMARYLLIS, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (51.71, -8.38) (9km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
57°F · Range: 12.3–14.8°C
Air Temperature
12°C
54°F
Wind Speed
7.84 m/s
15.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1008.6 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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