BARRISTER - South Coast

Diving the *Barrister* is like dropping into a moment frozen in time. She was a steamship, sunk by a U-boat in 1917, and even now, you can feel that history. We love the way the wreck lies, upright and mostly intact, at a manageable 19 metres. It makes for an easy dive, letting you really soak in the details. The sheer scale of her is impressive, at 77 metres long. We particularly enjoy poking around the bow section, where the anchor chains spill out into the sand, and the stern, looking for the massive propeller shaft. Schools of pollock often swirl through the open holds, and we've seen conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating. Look closely at the boilers – they’re huge, and often home to crabs tucked into every crevice. Visibility here can be decent, especially on an incoming tide, giving you that classic wreck dive atmosphere. It’s a site that tells a story, perfect for divers who appreciate maritime history and a good, solid wreck to explore.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.914223, -7.723055
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Wreck History - BARRISTER

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The SS Barrister was a steamship built for the Charente Steamship Company, more famously known as the Harrison Line. Launched in 1915 in Glasgow, she entered service during the height of the First World War. Her career was short-lived; on May 11, 1917, while sailing off the southern coast of Ireland, she was attacked and sunk by a German U-boat, a common fate for merchant vessels of the era.

Today, the Barrister lies at a very accessible depth of 19 metres, making her an excellent dive for a wide range of skill levels. The wreck is well-broken due to the passage of time and its relatively shallow location, but key features like her three boilers and triple-expansion engine are still identifiable. Exploring the scattered remains provides a fascinating insight into the construction of early 20th-century steamships and serves as a tangible connection to Ireland's wartime maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Ardmore Head 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 BARRISTER

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 BARRISTER

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 Barrister wreck in Co. Galway?
The Barrister wreck, located off Ireland's South Coast, has a typical depth of 19 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training for intermediate-level wreck dives.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Barrister dive site?
Divers exploring the Barrister wreck can expect to see the remains of a 77.1m x 14.6m steam ship vessel, built in 1915 and sunk in 1917. Notable features include its three boilers and a triple expansion engine with a single shaft, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering.
How challenging is the Barrister wreck dive, and what level of experience is recommended?
The Barrister wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, and it is also noted as a dangerous wreck. Divers should possess the necessary experience and training for intermediate wreck diving to safely explore this site. We recommend consulting with local dive operators in Ireland's South Coast for specific requirements.
What are the best months or conditions to dive the Barrister wreck for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data does not specify the best months or conditions for optimal visibility and safety at the Barrister wreck. However, as it is classified as a dangerous wreck, divers should always prioritize safety and check current conditions before planning a dive. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the Barrister wreck?
Given that the Barrister wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should hold certifications appropriate for such dives, which typically include advanced open water and potentially wreck diving specialties. It is always recommended to have proper training and experience for wreck diving to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Barrister dive site near Inishark Island?
The provided data for the Barrister dive site, located off Ireland's South Coast, does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to visit this intermediate difficulty wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these factors.