ILLYRIAN - South Coast

The Illyrian isn’t about big schools or blazing colour. It’s a proper dive into history, a moody, atmospheric wreck off Ireland’s south coast. We love the feeling of descent here, dropping onto something that once moved under its own steam, now completely reclaimed by the sea. This 118-meter steamship ran ashore in fog back in 1884, and what’s left spreads out over a flat seabed at 15 metres. You’re exploring ribs and plating, sections of deck, and the occasional boiler poking up, all draped in a thick fur of anemones and dead man's fingers. Our favourite part is nosing around the deeper sections, where conger eels often lurk in crevices, and lobsters eye you from under ledges. It's a great spot for photographers who appreciate texture and composition over bright subjects. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the region, but even on a greener day, the wreck’s presence is undeniable. Best dived on a neap tide for minimal current, allowing you to really soak in the wreck's scale and the quiet drama of its resting place.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.436610, -9.478833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Roaringwater Bay and Islands 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 ILLYRIAN

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 ILLYRIAN

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