COUNSELLOR - South Coast

The *Counsellor* is a big girl, and we mean big. Lying in 35 metres, this steamship stretches a full 121 metres, which means even on a good day, you’ll barely touch a fraction of her. Built in Belfast in 1904, she went down in 1916 and now rests upright, largely intact, with her two huge boilers a real highlight. Descending onto the deck feels like dropping into a dark, submerged cathedral; the sheer scale of the ship is impressive. What we love about the *Counsellor* is the sense of history that hangs heavy around her. You’re not just looking at metal; you’re looking at a piece of wartime maritime drama. Shoals of pollock often swirl around the superstructure, and if you bring a good torch, you can peer into some of the darker recesses where conger eels have set up home. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, those who appreciate a deep, dark dive with a story to tell. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for Ireland, but when it’s good, the *Counsellor* reveals herself as one of the south coast’s standout wrecks. Just remember to watch your bottom time, 35 metres slips away fast.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.500330, -9.092333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs 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 COUNSELLOR

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 COUNSELLOR

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