EMPRESS - South Coast

The Empress, a steamship lost in 1897, rests at 20 metres off the South Coast of Ireland. We usually find her fairly intact, given the time she's spent down there, a solid structure with a visible single boiler and some of the triple-expansion engine bits still identifiable. Shoals of pollock and coalfish often swirl around the main sections, especially near the bow, and we’ve seen plenty of conger eels poking out from beneath the larger plates. It's a proper wreck dive, more about the history and the structure than a riot of colour, but the marine life that has made it home adds real character. Good for divers comfortable with a deeper wreck.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.160890, -6.414889
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Carnsore Point 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 EMPRESS

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 EMPRESS

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 depth of the Empress of Ireland dive site?
The Empress wreck dive site has a depth of 20 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certified divers looking to explore a historical wreck off the South Coast of Ireland.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Empress of Ireland?
The Empress is a fascinating steam ship vessel, sunk in 1897, offering a glimpse into maritime history. Divers can explore its significant wreck features, including its dimensions of 70.7m x 10.7m, and identify components such as its single boiler and triple expansion engine. For more details on this specific wreck, visit the Empress dive site page.
How difficult is diving the Empress of Ireland wreck?
Diving the Empress wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level, who are comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions. Always ensure you have the appropriate training and experience for such dives.
What is the best time of year to dive the Empress of Ireland for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Empress for optimal conditions, nor does it include information on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in Ireland, please consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Empress of Ireland?
While the data classifies the Empress as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, specific certification requirements are not provided. Generally, an advanced open water certification or a specialty wreck diving certification is recommended for intermediate wreck dives. Always check with local dive operators in Ireland's South Coast for their specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at the Empress of Ireland dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical water conditions, currents, or visibility at the Empress dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before their dive.