ELISABETH JANE - South Coast

The Elisabeth Jane, for us, is a proper slice of history. This wooden ketch, built way back in 1875, ran aground in a Force 6 gale in 1916. You can really feel that history when you’re down there, tracing the lines of her 24.5-metre hull, now scattered across the seabed in about 16 metres of water. It’s not one of those imposing, intact wrecks, but more of a gentle spread of timbers and ribs, perfect for a relaxed exploration. We love how the wreck has blended into the environment. It’s a riot of colour, with jewel anemones and dead man's fingers clinging to every surface. Look closely, and you’ll spot gobies darting between the planks and small crabs scuttling in the shadows. The mast sections are particularly good for finding conger eels – always a thrill to see one peeking out. This site is brilliant for newer wreck divers or anyone who just wants a peaceful dive with a genuine sense of discovery. The shallow depth makes bottom time generous, and we’ve often found the visibility surprisingly good on an incoming tide. Just keep an eye on the surge if there's been a bit of a blow.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.775000, -8.212500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

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 ELISABETH JANE

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 ELISABETH JANE

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