wreck

Log This Dive

CROGHAN

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.