CROGHAN - South Coast

Croghan, off Hook Head, isn't your typical Irish wreck. Forget your deep, dark, silty wrecks. This 51-metre motor vessel ran aground in 1973, and after being abandoned, the hull was penetrated, leaving a shallow, broken up site at just 10 metres. We love it because it’s wonderfully accessible, especially on a calm day with good visibility, which for the South Coast means anything over 5 metres. What you find now is a fantastic scatter of ribs and plating, really colonised by the sea. It feels less like a ship and more like an artificial reef. You’ll weave through metalwork that’s heavily encrusted with dead man’s fingers, barnacles, and a surprising amount of kelp swaying gently with the surge. Look closely in the nooks and crannies and you'll spot plenty of blennies darting about, dogfish often resting on the seabed nearby, and sometimes a decent-sized pollack lurking. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers to get a feel for exploring a scattered wreck without the pressure of depth or overhead environments. Bring a good torch, even in daylight, to really appreciate the colours on the encrusting life.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.130054, -6.937417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Hook 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 CROGHAN

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 CROGHAN

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 maximum depth for recreational diving at the CROGHAN dive site?
The CROGHAN dive site offers a typical maximum depth of 10 meters, making it a relatively shallow wreck dive. This depth is well within recreational diving limits, suitable for many certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at CROGHAN?
Divers visiting CROGHAN can primarily expect to explore the remains of a motor vessel, measuring 51.5m x 8.5m. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks like this often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time. You can learn more about general marine life in the region by visiting our wildlife database.
How would you rate the difficulty level of diving at CROGHAN for different certification levels?
The CROGHAN dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for certified divers with some experience beyond entry-level, who are comfortable with wreck diving or similar conditions.
What is considered the best time of year to dive at CROGHAN for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the CROGHAN dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving in Ireland, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive at CROGHAN?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," diving at CROGHAN requires more than basic open water certification. Divers should possess experience commensurate with intermediate sites, and potentially specialized wreck diving training, due to the inherent risks associated with such sites.
What are the typical current and water conditions divers might encounter at the CROGHAN dive site?
Specific details regarding typical current and water conditions for the CROGHAN dive site are not provided in our current database. It is always advisable to check local dive centers or weather forecasts for up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.