CELTIC - South Coast

The Celtic, a grand old White Star Line vessel, sits in remarkably shallow water off the South Coast of Ireland. We love this site because it’s a proper piece of history, so accessible. Dropping down, you’re greeted by the sheer scale of it, even if she’s quite broken up. Think enormous plates of steel, a massive boiler, and twisted metal that tells a story of a ship’s final moments. She went down in 1928, and time, along with the Irish Sea, has done its work. Despite the damage, there’s still plenty to see and carefully poke around. We always find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, and sometimes a dogfish or two resting on the sandy patches around the wreck. Visibility can be hit or miss here – if it’s been calm, you might get 10 metres, but a bit of swell can knock it down to 3 or 4. We’d suggest going on a slack tide for the easiest dive. This isn’t a penetration dive, but rather a chance to immerse yourself in a piece of maritime heritage, feeling the history in the cool Irish water. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate wrecks for their stories and the character they develop over decades on the seabed.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.790610, -8.255111
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Cork Harbour SPA

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 CELTIC

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 CELTIC

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

How deep do you typically go when diving or snorkeling in the Celtic Deep?
When diving the CELTIC wreck, the typical depth is 7 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historic liner vessel that sank in 1928.
What kind of marine life and sharks can I expect to encounter in the Celtic Deep?
Our current data for the CELTIC dive site does not specifically detail the types of marine life or sharks you can expect to encounter. For general information on marine species in the region, you might consult our wildlife database.
What is the typical difficulty level for diving or swimming with wildlife in the Celtic Deep?
The CELTIC wreck is classified with an intermediate difficulty level for diving. While we don't have specific data on the difficulty of swimming with wildlife at this particular site, the overall dive requires an intermediate skill set.
When is the best time of year to visit the Celtic Deep for wildlife encounters?
Our current information for the CELTIC dive site does not specify the best time of year for wildlife encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in Ireland, you may wish to explore our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to participate in Celtic Deep wildlife trips?
Diving the CELTIC wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty, suggesting that divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for such conditions. While we don't have specific requirements for "wildlife trips" at this site, an intermediate skill level is generally recommended for exploring this historic liner.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like in the Celtic Deep?
We do not have specific data regarding the usual water conditions and currents for the CELTIC dive site. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions in the South Coast of Ireland before planning their dive.