CITY OF CHICAGO - South Coast

The *City of Chicago* isn't a single intact behemoth resting on the seabed. Think of it more as a sprawling underwater archaeological site, scattered across the shallow, often surge-kissed seabed off the Old Head of Kinsale. We love it because it’s a proper dive into history, a stark reminder of the power of the sea. You'll spend your dive exploring a vast debris field rather than penetrating a hull. Giant plates of steel, massive ribs, and other structural elements are strewn across the flat sand. Keep an eye out for the colossal prop shaft, a truly impressive piece of engineering, often draped in kelp and swarming with inquisitive wrasse. While the visibility can be fickle, especially after a good blow, when it’s clear, the sheer scale of the wreckage is striking. It’s a great site for photographers who enjoy macro work, as the crevices and nooks formed by the twisted metal are perfect hideouts for blennies and small crabs. We’d suggest diving this one on a calm day, close to slack high water for the best light and least surge. The maximum depth of 10 metres means you get plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.611610, -8.546500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Old Head of Kinsale 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 CITY OF CHICAGO

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 CITY OF CHICAGO

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