ARDENT II

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Old Head of Kinsale 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) - ARDENT II 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 35m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Ardent II is a proper Irish wreck, and we absolutely love it. Lying upright at 35 metres, this 24-metre trawler went down in 1984 after hitting a submerged rock near the Old Head of Kinsale. You can still feel the drama of that storm when you descend; the low visibility and the way the light struggles to penetrate really make you appreciate the crew’s escape. We always approach from the stern, where the prop is still mostly intact, before working our way forward along the deck. The wheelhouse is a highlight, quite broken but offering a glimpse into the skipper’s last moments. Look inside and imagine the chaos. Conger eels have made themselves very much at home, often peering out from behind crumpled metal plates, and we’ve seen some decent lobster tucked into crevices too. This isn’t a site for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; the currents can be shifty, and the visibility often asks for some good navigation skills. But for those who appreciate a wreck with a story, and aren’t afraid of a bit of an adventure, the Ardent II is a fantastic dive. It’s gritty, real, and a true South Coast experience.

Typical ARDENT II Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

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.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today04:3418:4114h 7m daylightGolden hour 17:55

ARDENT II Wreck History

Year Sunk

1984

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

110 GRT

The Ardent II was a 24-meter modern fishing trawler working the rich fishing grounds off Ireland's celebrated south coast. For years, it was a familiar sight in the harbors of County Cork, part of the fleet that is the lifeblood of the coastal community.

On October 5th, 1984, the Ardent II was caught in treacherous weather, a common peril in the North Atlantic. While navigating near the iconic Old Head of Kinsale, the vessel was driven onto a submerged rock. The impact breached the hull, and despite the crew's efforts, the trawler began to sink. In a testament to the skill of local rescue services, the entire crew was safely rescued before the Ardent II slipped beneath the waves.

Resting at 35 meters, the wreck of the Ardent II is now a popular and rewarding dive site for experienced divers. Its relatively recent sinking means the structure is largely intact, with its wheelhouse, nets, and winches still visible. The wreck has become a haven for marine life, with conger eels making their homes in its pipes and colorful anemones covering its superstructure. Its designation as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a reminder to boat traffic of its presence just below the surface, but for divers, it's a perfectly preserved window into the life of a modern Irish fishing vessel.